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oneofyatosfollowers · 4 years ago

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Happy Yato Day!

Fanfic: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13936397/1/The-Stray-Cowboy

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33158902

It was ironic that a little dusty down in the middle of nowhere would bear the name “Heaven,” especially since it’s been declining since her grandmother’s time. The town was built around a large natural spring that has been shrinking ever so slightly each year while the buildings only grew taller. Hiyori strolled down main street, her heels kicking up loose dirt which dusted the frills of her pink dress. Her father, the only doctor in town, had let her go for the day, giving her a break from replacing her run-away brother at the clinic. So, after visiting her friend, Ami, at the fabric store, and Yama out with the horses, Hiyori made her way to the saloon.

The building was two stories and housed a bar, a small stage, and tables with different games other cowboys could gamble on. Since this town held so much water and resources, it was a common place for vagabonds of all types to stop in and rest. The Inn was right next door, owned by the bar owner’s husband, it’s front often tied with horses. Hiyori’s eyes scanned the beasts for a familiar black mare with a short mane but was disappointed when she saw none. She entered The Lucky Lady, the batwing doors swinging behind her, eyes adjusting as she ignored the cat-calls.

“Hiyori!” The bartender called like they haven’t seen each other in years. The Lucky Lady, a spunky night-time-dancer named Kofuku, waved her friend over with a dirty cloth.

“Good afternoon, Kofuku,” Hiyori gave a short curtsy before taking a seat at the bar, “where’s Daikoku and Yukine?” She asked as her eyes scanned the bar, finally adjusted to the darker space.

“They’re tending to some of the horses behind the Inn. Yuki’s getting good at changing shoes you know,” Kofuku mused as she wiped down the bar, “although they’re not really who you’re looking for are they?” The comment shocked Hiyori out of her scanning. The teasing glimmer in the young woman’s eyes sparking a fire across Hiyori’s cheeks.

“Well! He did say he was coming back today and he’s supposed to be handling my job!” Hiyori sputtered. She crossed her arms with a huff and looked towards the door, waiting for the black silhouette of a certain hitman-turned-messenger-and-bounty-hunter. Unbeknownst to her parents, Hiyori had hired the man to find her missing brother. It felt off to put a secret bounty on her own brother, giving it to an enigma of a man recommended to her by Kofuku and Daikoku, but he’d stopped sending her letters almost a year ago and it had her worried.

“If there’s someone you want found, dead or alive, he’s your man,” The Inn owner had growled, “just don’t get too close.” The gruff man scoffed when his bubbly wife waved off his warning. Of course Hiyori was the strong, intelligent daughter of a doctor, who practiced cattle roping with her brother. She didn’t judge just based on one reputation, Hiyori had to see for herself. Especially with the reputation that particular cowboy had. No, if it weren’t for Yukine then Hiyori would have never hired him.

“Yukine!” Hiyori called when the boy in question walked in from the back. The young teen pulled off a black cutter that was too big for him, and revealed a puff of blonde hair. His hazel eyes popped up and he smiled at the sight of her.

“Hiyori!” He greeted, giving Daikoku the hammer and nails before heading to the bar. Yukine was one of the few people in this town Hiyori didn’t know since birth. Now, she didn’t know the whole story- the boy in question refusing to tell- but she did know the place he came from was not a very kind one. That, for one reason or another, the cowboy she hired to track her brother was the same one that saved Yukine from that place as a toddler. They traveled together since then, Yukine being dropped off at Kofuku’s place so the man could go on more dangerous jobs. Just like now. It was during those times, Hiyori had gotten to know the boy. Even early on, when Yukine would throw tantrums at being left behind or run away from strangers.

“He’s still not here yet?” Yukine sighed as he took a seat next to Hiyori. The boy gave a curtsey scan around the saloon, knowing the man’s figure too well to miss it.

“Sorry Yuki, he said more towards the sun down,” Kofuku reminded them of the last letter the messenger pigeon brought them. The blonde, becoming more and more like a teenager each day, scoffed and crossed his arms.

“Yeah, well, he better get here before Sheriff Bishamon gets back from her trip to the city. Otherwise he’ll just get chased out again.” Yukine soured at the thought, ready to hit the open road again. Hiyori knew a bit about how he felt. She’s felt the need to leave this dusty place, to hop on a horse and ride off into the sunset with nothing but your wit and a couple bullets at your side. But she could never do that to her parents, not like her brother did. Instead she lived through the stories Yukine brought back with him, after the cowboy in black strolled into Heaven like he owned it.

“How long is the sheriff gone for?” Hiyori asked. If the sheriff caught the man sneaking into town there would be a shotoff on sight.

“Oh who knows. I asked Uncle Ebi to keep her there for as long as possible so,” Kofuku shrugged, “I’m sure he’ll buy you two enough time to catch up.” The pink haired woman winked causing the two younger patrons to sputter with disgust.

“Don’t be gross! Hiyori could do so much better than that dusty rattlesnake!” Yukine hissed, insulting the one man he deemed as blood family. Still, the statement jolted something within Hiyori. A boxed up secret that’s been locked up tight since the man in question last rode out of town.

“Hey yeah! Our little Miss Hiyori still has a courtship with that gun dealer from the city,” Daikoku suddenly walked behind the bar, giving his wife a kiss on the head.

“Ukk! You mean Kouto? Hiyori, don’t tell me you’re still seeing that as-donkey,” Yukine quickly muffled his cursing, remembering he wasn’t out on the open road with a not-so-great role model. Daikoku raised a brow at the kid, muttering out a mental note to have a word with the kid’s kidnapper.

“I am not ‘seeing him,’ it is a one-sided courtship at best! One that I do not plan on pursuing,” Hiyori stood suddenly, face red enough to pass as sunburn, “so if you’ll excuse me. I’ll be back after dinner to see if-.” The young woman stopped short, half way from the bar to the door, when she realized the saloon had gone silent. Someone was approaching the planked doors, the sun casting a shadow across a smirk that could steal a golden fiddle from the devil. The room fell into hushed whispers as he pushed open the door and approached Hiyori with careless saunter. The various weapons and coins hidden among his long black coat clinked as his brown boots thudded against the squeaky floor. Since his hat was left in the care of a blonde boy, there was nothing obscuring his sharp gaze from meeting hers. The white ascot around his neck covered his grin to the others in the room, helping keep up with his dark and bloody reputation. If only they knew how sweet he really was.

“Hiyori,” his drawl was rough from breathing in nothing but hot desert dirt but she found his dust-smudged cheeks just as endearing. His blue eyes and smile didn’t waver from her, even as the men closest to him raised their hackles and fixed him with narrowed eyes. The cowboy stopped directly in front of her, much too close for an upper class employer and some hired vagabond. But despite the towns and names he’s buried six feet under, Hiyori met his eyes with a straight back and a confident smile.

“It’s nice to see you again, Yato.”

“A pleasure, Hiyori,” he chuckled. The two shared a moment for less than a second before a barstool behind Hiyori squeaked with movement.

“Finally! About time you got here!” Yukine said. Regardless, the kid was off his stool and across the floor in an instant, arms crossed and hat off, waiting for Yato to ruffle his hair. Which Yato did. Until he pulled the kid into a large hug, encasing the small boy in his leather coat with a happy laugh.

“There he is! My baby Yukine! Have you gotten smaller? Or bigger? Definitely bigger, look at those arms! Turnin into a big strong man now! Gone for a season and look at you! Did you keep my hat nice and safe like always?” Yato gushed.

“Blegh! You smell like horse shit and sweat! You disgusting loser! Get off me!” Yukine hollered, squirming out of Yato’s hold and shoving the man’s hat back in his arms. Yatolet the boy go, satisfied that the bar’s paterons went back to their drinking and card games. Hiyori could understand, having a cute child by his side made Yato look a little less like the hitman he once was. The boy stomped back to the bar, Yato smiling after him.

“Ya heading out?” Yato asked, placing his hat back at home on his head.

“Um nope! No,” Hiyori said. Yato’s smirk quirked back on and he nodded his head to the bar, pouting when Hiyori declined his offered arm.

“Oh Yatty! We missed you!” Kofukue leaned over the bar, her corset popping a string, as she pulled him into a hug.

“Hey Kofuku! Glad to be back,” Yato squeezed her, “thanks for watching the kid again.”

“Yeah, well, the kid’s welcome here anytime. You, on the other hand, got a long tab to pay.” Daikoku grumbled by the taps.

“It’d be easier if you just let me go with you,” Yukine said, haughtily. The kid watched the man that saved him take a heavy seat on the bar, removing his iconic twin shotguns from his shoulders and laying them on the wood. Hiyori took a seat on the other side of Yato, eyeing the long, silver double barrel guns. Her gaze tracing tiny flowers engraved on the metal. She knew without looking that the wooden butt of the guns had the names “Sekki” and “Setsu” carved into them when he was Yukine’s age. Of course, Daikoku’s rule about weapons on the bar went ignored as Yato gave Yukine a side eye from over his pint.

“Death Valley is called ‘the underworld’ for a reason, kiddo. It’s too risky for a youngin.” Yato said.

“I’m not a youngin! I’m fourteen!” Yukine spun on the stool, “and you were even younger when you started out.”

“Not by choice, Yukine.”

“Okay but I’m choosing to.” Yukine’s eyes narrowed even more when Yato just scoffed and took a large swig of cheap beer.

“Come on, Yato! You said it yourself, I’m turnin’ into a man now. I’ve been traveling with you for nearly a decade! I know how to shoot and lasso and care for horses and where to look for gold and know when it’s gonna rain! You taught me all of that and you always say when I’m older you would keep me with you all the time! On all your jobs, so why?” Yukine almost pleaded, frustrated. Hiyori bit her lip and looked from Yukine to Yato.

“Because I thought this one was going to be particularly dangerous. You know I don’t want you seeing that,” Yato finally said, setting his glass down with a clink, “besides, I was just going to poke around and gather information. If there was anything solid I’d come get you.”

“Is that right?” Yukine asked, unconvinced.

“‘Course. It’s not like you missed anything big. I just went around, did the normal askin, followed a couple hollow rumors, then came back. You would have been bored anyway. Why? You think I would lie about it?”

“Do I think you would? Yes. Cause you lie to make me feel better. You do it all the time.” There was a beat that no one commented on. Hiyori couldn’t bring herself to see Yato’s reaction to that attack on a very recent wound.

“Well that clearly isn't the case this time is it?” Yato said, then sighed and softened his tone, “there really was nothing Yukine but I just wanted to be sure. There’s no law in the underworld and I don’t want you anywhere near that place.” The man finally turned and fully faced the boy he claimed as his own. Yukine regarded Yato for a couple moments longer, just as water started to rise over his hazel irises. Suddenly and harshly, Yukine got off his seat.

“If you don’t trust me to have your back and you don’t want me around just say so. Stop coming back already.” Snarled Yukine. He left the saloon and Hiyori knew he would be heading to the Inn where one of the rooms was permanently his and Yato’s. Beside her, Yato chugged the rest of his beer then slammed it back on the counter with a sigh. Daikoku chided him and took it, wiping it clean with disdain.

“Don’t worry, Yatty. He’s at that age. Yuki didn’t mean it, he just missed you and rather go on your adventures than stay here,” Kofuku offered.

“That’s what he doesn’t get. They’re not adventures,” Yato scratched his neck, “I’m out of bullets.” The implication silenced the young women.

“Still, the boy’s right about one thing, he’s growin up. Can’t tell him what to do forever,” Daikoku eventually butted in, placing a new mug of beer in front of Yato.

“Watch me,” Yato pouted. That got a small giggle out of Hiyori which might have quirked the tip of Yato’s lip just a little. Kofuku and Daikoku hummed and shared a look. Eventually, Yato downed the rest of his drink before getting up.

“Hiiro is out back. Needs a bath,” Yato said.

“Pay for your beer.” Daikoku answered.

“Put it on my tab,” Yato knocked on the bar.

“Like hell-”

“Okie dokie, Yatty! See you at dinner!” Kofuku waved. Yato pointed at her with a finger gun, clicking as his thumb mimicked the hammer. He grabbed both gunstraps and lazily swung the weapons over one shoulder. Taking two steps, Yato looked over his shoulder, one blue eye meeting hers from under his hat.

“You comin?” Yato tilted his head. Despite the looks their friends gave her, a large smile grew on Hiyori’s face and she happily hopped off the stool.

“Yeah!” She followed the cowboy in grungy clothes out the bar and into the Inn. Since it was still late afternoon, the place was just about empty. The wooden rooms and wool sheets too hot on a summer day. Hiyori took a deep breath, feeling free from the stares of others in town with nothing to do but spread rumors. Still, she was very aware of the man standing behind her, always a bit too close, and she turned to face him. Hiyori would have to wait until later tonight to hear his tales. Yato was too good at telling stories and always insisted on drawing to go with it. Once Yukine finishes reading and goes to bed, Yato and the rest of the town congregate at The Lucky Lady for drinking, dancing, and music. It was then that Hiyori- and sometimes her teasing friends- would get Yato to herself.

“How are the folks?” Yato broke the silence.

“They’re okay. Since the water’s been going, my father’s been trying to find ways to give strong medicine that uses less water.”

“What a coincidence,” Yato hummed, “every lead I tried to follow on your brother ended up being about the water crisis.”

“You think he’s following the drought?” Hiyori asked, urgently.

“Couldn’t say. He’s never struck me as the heroic type, to go galavanting off and save the world; but it is suspicious. Unfortunately, once I got deep in the drought debacle his name would vanish,” Yato shrugged, “it’s all anyone’s talkin about.” At some point Yato’s shoulders slumped and Hiyori sighed. This was the fifth time Yato came back with dead ends. It wasn’t his fault. Not only was he right- in that her brother was known to ride by the seat of his pants- but the job required him to stay away for long periods of time. Tracking someone like that kept him away from Yukine and other people who missed him. Still, disappointment hung her head.

“I’m so sorry, Hiyori. I promise I’m going to keep looking.” Yato put a hand on her shoulder and Hiyori took it in both of hers.

“What about Yukine?”

“I don’t know. I’m gonna to take him this time around but- I just don’t know where this leads. And you know how he is. You’ve seen him loiter around the school house in the past. I just don’t think it’s good for him to be growin up on the run.” Yato mumbled. He twinded their fingers together and the box inside her jolted again, but settled when he did nothing more.

“Daikoku’s right, you know, every day it becomes more and more his decision.” Hiyori offered him a small smile. He blinked at her before the cocky smile Yato was known for grew across his lips. He brought their hands up and pressed a light kiss to the back of her glove.

“I’ve missed you, darlin’,” he said. The box inside her was getting harder to keep closed, memories of his previous visits flashing across Hiyori’s eyes. Really, she wondered if Daikoku knew she failed to heed his warning. It was no wonder people caught her staring at that horizon and sighing with longing.

“Yato,” Hiyori tried, pulling her hand slightly but not letting go. A look of hurt flashed across Yato’s face- so familiar to her own when she watched him leave and come back with new scars- and Hiyori almost wanted to hit him. But instead his eyes quickly darkened and he squeezed her hand.

“Don’t tell me you’re not a filly anymore? That gun smith with the cheap products gotcha or are your parents makin you drag your rope?”

“None of that!” Hiyori huffed. She took her hand back and turned around, arms crossed.

“Not that it has anything to do with anything! Since I hired you to find my brother while-”

“While you stay here and take his place and care for the family business and not go off with Kouto because that would be leaving ‘em behind,” Yato repeated, “come off it, Hiyori. Your parents are adults and you have your own life. Just admit you want to have your own adventure.”

“And where do you suppose I go? Just to wander around by myself? Or were you planning on taking me and not Yukine?” Hiyori whirled on him, tired of this do-si-do of a conversation.

“It’s too dangerous with me,” Yato said through grit teeth, hat tilted to cover his knitted brows.

“So what then? You’ll drop us off in random towns while you go back and forth?” Hiyori threw out without much of a bite. There was a moment of Yato staring at the floor and Hiyori rolled her eyes. Of course the fool of a man would think that was a good idea. She stepped back in front of him and reached under his hat to pinch his cheek.

“Ow!” Yato flinched away. He rubbed his cheek like some little kid who got a light smack and Hiyori snorted. How did she once fear him? His pout was back but not for long, blue eyes softening at her laughter.

“I just want you to be happy. You only get one life you know,” Yato said, hand dropping from his cheek.

“And I’ll decide what I want to do with it. Just like Yukine.” Hiyori’s reminder quieted the cowboy down.

“I just don’t want to drag him into another one of my mistakes. He deserves better.” Yato said. Hiyori frowned, reminded of Yukine’s earlier comment.

“He doesn’t blame you.” She offered. About ten years ago, when Yato traveled with a group of bandits who’s name struck fear into the hearts of all who heard it, they rode into Yukine’s place of birth. Hiyori had met Yukine, seeing Yato in passing now and again, she came to understand Yukine’s memory of that night was hazy at best. That was until a year ago, Yato first took off to find Hiyori’s brother, and the boy’s memories resurfaced. He confronted Yato, learning the fate of his birth town.

“I know he doesn’t blame me but you saw how he was. How he gets when I pull the trigger. I worry he’ll grow to resent me.” Yato sighed, “you know, I remember that night like it was yesterday. I was young and he was so tiny, the town was burnin down all around us, his loved ones were bloody behind ‘im. Just as I turned Hiiro around to run, he ran after me with his little arms up. I scooped Yukine up without thinkin and took off in the opposite direction of the group.

“I don’t know how but Hiiro and I managed to run for an entire night and I didn’t put him down for one second. It wasn’t until Hiiro finally bucked us off that I realized he hadn’t moved. I- haha- I actually thought he was dead and I had been carryin’ ‘round a corpse. But when I looked down, his head buried in my chest, he peaked up at me with big doe eyes. No tears, no fear. We passed out right there in the dirt. I thought he’d be okay but he didn’t speak at all. I was gonna drop him off at the next town but I just-. He wouldn’t talk- barely looked at me- but was stuck to my side like he was made of molasse or somethin’.” Yato was staring off into the distance, not realizing he was still talking. Hiyori watched and listened quietly, as she often did. Something must have happened in the underworld and she wanted to let him cope. Twelve people was twelve too many for a kind man like him.

“The little bastard grew on me. Starin at me while I babbled, sleepin on my tummy, clutchin my coat and tuggin to sit up front. Honestly, when I stretched, he stretched, I pissed, he pissed, I cleaned my guns, he’d use a stick, when I held onto the reins, he’d grabbed ‘em too,” Yato sighed again, voice wavering, “But he was so nervous around me, jumpy. Always looked at me to make sure he could move even an inch- wouldn’t even eat until I told him to. He deserved better. I figured Kofuku and Daikoku would want him to raise as their own. When I got here and I thought he was comfortable enough, I mounted to get ready to go but he came running out crying. Sobbing even. His arms up at me. That was- that was the first time I heard him speak. He said ‘don’t leave!’ And I just couldn’t. Sure I stayed for a year or so but I couldn’t keep out of work that long. And he used to be okay- happy even- when I’d give ‘im my ascot or hat to keep safe till I came back.” Yato’s eyes were covered but his lip trembled before he bit it, trying to control his breathing.

Yukine’s recent confrontation about that day- the accusations and disappointment Yukine regretted saying- scratched every wound of guilt Yato felt. It was hard to smile for a child that looked up to you while you blamed yourself for his circumstances. It was even harder to keep leaving. They did make up, as they always did, but it had been a painful experience that Yato still hasn’t forgiven himself for; no matter how much Yukine reassured him.

“Yukine remembers everything and still choose you. He looks up to you, Yato, and loves you just as much. Yukine’s not going to suddenly regret everything and leave,” Hiyori put a hand on his chest, “and neither will I.”

“I don’t know about the ‘look up to’ part but uh,” Yato swallowed thickly around a wobbling smile.

“It’s true, I can tell,” Hiyori leaned in to whisper, “you know he calls you his dad when he talks about you.”

“He does not!” Yato gasped.

“We promised not to say anything.”

“Uh-huh,” Yato looked down quickly then back, “and what do you call me when I’m gone.”

“Saddle Bum,” Hiyori stated.

“Yeah,” Yato sighed, “you got me there.” He huffed out a laugh which only got stronger the more they looked at each other.

“We should probably get Yukine,” Hiyori suggested.

“You’re right,” Yato said, “as usual. Bested again by Miss Iki. Just can’t argue with you, the lush oasis saving me from my weary travels.” They made their way up the stairs and down the hall of bedrooms.

“That’s right, you can’t. So stop trying.” Hiyor playfully huffed.

“Yes ma’am,” Yato swooned. Turns out Yukine wasn’t in their room and instead was around the back of the saloon to tend to Hiiro. By the time the two moseyed around the two buildings, Yukine had washed down the horse- the mare really loved water- and was cleaning her hooves. Hiiro was a short, exceedingly loyal, black horse who hated when her mane got too long and had the most fickle personality even with people she liked. Her ears twitched as her rider walked towards them, shifting back and forth, as Yukine leaned against her hindquarters and scrapped at her back hoof.

“You were right, you really do have the hang of that,” Yato whistled. Running his hand along her clean hair. She snapped at Yato but nickered when Hiyori patted her pink nose.

“She doesn't like it when you do it,” Yukine shot after a couple beats.

“Of course she does,” Yato said, skirting around the horse. Hiyori chose to stay by Hiiro’s front, watching Yukine give Yato a quick glare over his shoulder.

“So, when are you leaving?” Yukine growled. Hiyori tried not to suck in air too loudly as Yato’s wide eyes flickered to hers then back.

“N-not for a while. Gotta go over the clues and make a more solid plan,” Yato’s boot kicked the dirt, “I’m gonna need your help with that. Like always,” he tried. Yukine was not impressed, hardly sparing Yato a scoff.

“Why bother? It’s clear you don’t trust me to watch your back.” The blonde muttered. Finally, Yato’s hands fell out of his pockets and his attitude grew into something more serious.

“What gave you that idea?” Yato followed the kid around to the other hoof, brows knitted. This time, Yato was ignored and the cowboy tapped the kid with his boot.

“Yato,” Hiyori warned under her breath.

“Hey,” Yato tapped Yukine’s side again, “would I have given you twin pistols if I didn’t trust you with them behind my back?” The tip of his boot nudged one of the revolvers at Yukine’s hip, silver twins just like Yato’s, named “Blessed” and “Burial.” That got the teen to look up at Yato, frown still in place.

“No,” Yukine mumbled.

“And you know why? Cause you only give-”

“Cause you only give weapons to those who have your back and disarm those who don’t, I know,” Yukine parroted.

“I need to get more phrases,” Yato muttered as he scratched his head.

“But giving weapons is not the same! I want to be with you! I want to do all the same things you do, by your side! I mean I’m supposed to be your-!” Yukine bit his lip and quickly refocused on Hiiro’s hoove. Yato’s eye brows rose to his hat for a moment before a grim expression took root.

“I killed twelve people in the last four months,” Yato stated. There was a beat of silence as the wind pushed a tumbleweed across the ground. Yukine tried to hide the shock- the horror- that shot across his face, but Yato caught every inch of it.

“So what?” Yukine spat weakly, “you act like I’ve never seen someone die.”

“I don’t want you to see anymore.”

“Well that isn’t your choice is it? Or do you not want me to be like you that badly? I was there too, you know.” Yukine finally snapped, whipping around to glare at Yato. There were tears in his eyes, boiling with frustration, but no one commented on it. Yato couldn’t think of anything to say and Hiyori clenched Hiiro’s reins. The mare was getting restless with her rider’s change in attitude.

“I know you were there and I’m sorry,” Yato confessed, “I’m not anyone you should strive to be. You don’t have to be anything for me, you don’t owe me nutin.” He kicked at the ground again and Hiyori wanted to roll her eyes. Honestly, such a fool of a man.

“I know that,” Yukine muttered too, now just as embarrassed, “I’m not trying to owe you. I just think-” the boy’s face rose in temperature and neither man could look at each other or address their feelings. Eventually Yato let out a huge sigh mixed with a groan.

“Well, everyone’s telling me what a man you are now and that I gotta let you make your own decisions. Can’t keep you caged forever or that won’t protect you in the long run,” Yato finally relented.

“So I can come? With you?” Yukine sprang to his feet, “and you’ll stop dropping me off here? I can be with you for every job?” Fists balled Yukine stood on the tips of his matching boots to stare wide eyed at Yato. The man blinked again, something fragile crossing his eyes before he smiled.

“Suppose so. Unless you want to come back, which you can any time,” Yato said.

“Yes!” Yukine suddenly remembered he was supposed to be an adult and straightened out, “and you promise this time? No tricks? No lies? No gimmicks?” He pointed up at Yato who finally snorted out a laugh.

“Nothin of the sort, o partner o’ mine,” Yato held up a hand, “honest.”

“Both hands,” Yukine narrowed his eyes. With a scoff Yato held up both hands like he was at gunpoint.

“I swear it,” Yato vowed, “on my only son.” Finally the dam broke and Yukine went back to his beaming smile.

“Yes!” Yukine pulled at his own ascot, “I won’t let you down! I promise!” The boy crouched to gather his materials only for Yato to crouch with him.

“I know you won’t, you’re my kid after all,” Yato took off his hat and put it on Yukine’s head, smushing it down with a laugh, “and I’m mighty proud of ya.” The two boys shared a laugh and Hiyori finally turned and gave them their space.

“But chu-know, we gotta get you your own hat. The tips of my ears are all crusty,” Yato gripped.

“Just get a different hat!”

“It’s my hat!”

“Then don’t leave for so long!”

“I don’t understand why you can’t just get your own hat.”

“I had one! Before you made me drop it in the river!”

“Oh I made you, yeah okay, and who made you that hat in the first place?”

“Well you should-” Yukine continued to argue, back with his old spunk. Hopefully they would get to spend some time together before she watched the two of them leave this place behind. That painful tug in her chest was getting harder to ignore.

Until a gunshot sounded across the desert and embedded itself in the dirt. Hiiro reared into the air, letting out a cry of alarm as Yato and Yukine readied their arms. Hiyori immediately ran to the back of the buildings and hid behind a small pile of crates. While shoot outs didn’t happen as often as they did in other towns, they were enough for her to know what to do. A tall figure stepped gracefully off of a blonde, raggedy stallion, high heel boots crusting the dirt beneath. Another couple figures in matching law uniforms dismounted but didn’t ready their weapons. Instead they eyed the standoff with wariness and annoyance. Hiyori sighed and stepped out from her hiding spot but stayed several feet away. Bent at Yato’s side, Yukine stood but kept one gun pointed, sharing a nod to the deputy sheriff across the way, who did the same. Meanwhile, Yato’s smile shifted to a dangerous grin which was replied with a snarl.

“Skank.” Yato greeted Sheriff Bishamon.

“Vermin.” The blonde growled in return. Deputy Kazuma tried to calm her, reminding her that Yato’s previous transgressions have been pardoned and he has yet to cause another. But his pleas went unheard. The two took slow steps forward, guns steadily aimed right between the eyes.

“You got nerve showin’ your face in my town,” Bishamon said.

“Why’s that? Don’t tell me it’s not big enough?” Yato joked. This didn’t go over well, the woman took a shot in front of Yato’s feet. The man yelled some sort of curse as he stumbled back, pushing Yukine behind him despite the kid’s protests. Yato’s gun remained pointed, trained by experience. Though the cowboy was clearly at a disadvantage, the sheriff having two bands of bullets criss-crossing over her chest.

“Come on, I’m just here for some good drinks, a fun time at Kofuku’s,” Yato said, “besides, shouldn’t you be on vacation? Aren’t you back a little early?” The man took another step. Hiyori’s fists tightened as she saw the hand signals Yato was giving Yukine from behind his back.

“That deviersion you had Miss Kofuku do? To have me run to her uncle while you tried to sneak around in my town? Not a chance.” Her eyes hardened but Deputy Kazuma already had a hand on her gun. It wasn’t until Yato’s eyes slid to meet Hiyori’s- the question clear in his expression- that the box from deep within shook and burst open. The confirmation she gave was with the tiniest of nods and their eye contact was over just as fast as it started. In an instant the situation changed; Yukine had mounted Hiiro who rose to her hindlegs with a loud cry and soon Yato was up too, shooting at the law’s horses to scare them. While Bishamon was distracted, Yato took the reins from Yukine and drove Hiiro towards the young lady.

“Wha-? What are you doing? You idiot!” Yukine was already turned around, guns pointed behind them, watching Yato’s back. The kid went ignored, Yato had his eyes trained on Hiyori’s, intense stare eclipsing his grin.

“Come on!” Yato held out his hand. Hiyori moved without another thought, grabbing his hand and letting herself be yanked on the thundering black stead. Her body fell roughly across the blackened cowboy.

“Wait!” Hiyori cried as they dashed around the corner and down the main road, “what about our-? My things?” Her concerns were covered by wisps of her hair and Hiyori had to brush them aside to see Yato throw his head back and laugh.

“Relax! We’re just taking a stroll until the armadillo-woman cools off,” Yato looked down at her and winked, “we haven’t danced at Kofuku’s yet right?”

“Gross! Stop being such a creepy old man! You’re lucky Daikoku even lets you back into that bar!” Yukine yelled at them. Yato’s laughter was contagious and soon it spread to Hiyori, the young woman clinging to the cowboy as he took her on an adventure.

#noragami #noragami fanfic #fanfic #noragami au #western au #yato #yukine #hiyori #Hiyori iki #yato day #happy yato day!!

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be-ready-when-i-say-go · 5 years ago

Text

They Don’t Know You Like I Do

This is a reupload, a throwback. It was originally written in 2019 and posted on my old account calumh-excess. I hope you guys enjoy.

In the same universe as We’re Outsiders.

Sandra should be out of his league. But with a good heart and an open mind, she gives Ashton a shot. That’s all he needs.

Greaser!AU.

Enjoy my masterlist.

Support me on Ko-Fi

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When there’s a knock at the door, Ashton’s a little confused. Though, knocks are more frequent now if he has to be honest. He racks his brain for who could possibly be at the door. It’s not Luke. He had to run some errands for his parents. It’s not Calum. He’s at work; left early this morning. Calum did agree to be at the race. And unless Calum forgot his keys, Ashton is sure that Calum wouldn’t be showing back to the house.

So Ashton finishes zipping up the boot and walks to the door. Cookie stands on the other side, grinning. Her siblings attached to her hips. He grins at the sight. It’s very common on Saturday mornings for her to show up at his doorstep, whether Calum is home or not. More often not, since Saturdays seem to have picked up at the shop and Cookie seems to be able to sneak away before the morning rush. “Know your boy toy’s not here right?”

She rolls her eyes, extending out the glass dish. “I know. I did talk to him last night.”

Ashton takes the dish; it’s heavier than he anticipated. It smells good though. He won’t lie. The deep inhale almost makes his stomach growl and his mouth salivate. “Thanks.” They don’t need to be taken care of, but it’s nice. She always brings enough for not just Ashton and Calum, but also Luke and Michael. “One of these days I’m gonna get that recipe.”

“Oh, hot stuff, we’d have to be married for that,” she teases laughing.

“You say that like I won’t snatch you up from Calum.”

His only acknowledgement to the tease is a smile. “Got one more in the car. Can they sit inside for a second? If you’re not busy.”

“Yeah, they can sit inside for a minute.”

Teresa, Cookie’s sister, taps Ashton on the leg on the way in. A game they seem to always play where he attempts to dodge it, but never seems to skirt out of the way fast enough. Ashton buckles a little at the motion, careful of the food he’s still holding, and drags himself to the kitchen table. “I oughta report this!”

Her brother, Curtis, settles onto the couch. He’s always been quiet. But he smiles at the exchange and settles into the cushions. Ashton leaves the dish out. He’s glad Cookie came by. He wanted to ask her for a favor and had planned to stop by her place or the diner before heading out for the race.

The door creaks open again and Cookie walks in, heading straight for the kitchen. She doesn’t linger long on the fact that there aren’t many groceries left. She just slips the glass dishes in and prays that they can get back on track soon.

“You know,” Cookie starts watching her sister and brother pick up the deck of cards at the dinning room table and Ashton stand in front of her. “I could get you in at the diner. My folks ain’t that bad.”

Ashton shakes his head. He knew long ago when he lost his job that Cookie could help him out. Somehow it felt wrong, felt like he would’ve been intruding. Besides, he wouldn’t be down for long. “I appreciate it. But I don’t wanna put your folks in a tighter spot. If I start working there and someone hits the roof, y’all take the hit. Not me.”

“World won’t be so black and white one day.”

“Sometimes I think I could be doing more. More than just surviving and more than just hoping for you.”

“If you got marching boots, I know how to get you in.”

It’s only a nod. They are silent, even as cards shuffle in the background. But Ashton knows, by way of the stirring in his chest, that he’s going to be asking about that march.

“Well, I ain’t mean to take up too much time,” Cookie starts, seeing the current round is coming to an end.

“Wait before you go, can I ask you a favor?” It’s not exactly the smartest thing in the world he’s done for cash, agreeing to a race.. Though he’s smart and never gets tied up for people that race for pinks. “I need some help.”

Cookie leans back into the fridge, the white Keds on her feet matching the tile as she crosses her ankles. “Help how?”

Ashton knew he shouldn’t have promised Sandra that Cookie would’ve been there without actually asking Cookie. However, by the time Ashton managed to get home, Calum had already gone to bed and Ashton for sure was not about to call up to her house at that time of night. He was just trying to get Sandra to see that he was just a guy, not the label that people had put on him.

“I have a race.”

Cookie nods. “If you telling me Teresa actually hit you that hard that you can’t drive no more, I oughta sign that girl up for boxing or something,” she teases.

Ashton has to laugh with a shake of his head. “God almighty, no.”

“What’s about this race and needing help?”

“I need you to tag along. I told this girl they were cool and I just need you around so she doesn’t flip.”

It’s a heavy sigh that expels from her lungs and Ashton all but slides to his knees as he grabs onto her hands. “Please, Cookie? Please?”

“These ain’t no family affair. I’ve got my brother and sister. It’s technically illegal.” While Cookie didn’t hold too fast to the rules that governed them, she was not about to act fast and loose in front of siblings. They have fast lips.

“I’ve never seen a race,” Teressa cuts in. She’s dealing out half the deck between her and Curtis.

“See!” Ashton says, lips rolling over as he pouts. “C��mon. Just the one solid. Please.”

“And there’s a reason you haven’t,” Cookie replies. If she gets in trouble on her lonesome is fine. Her parents will flip, they’ll give her a lot of noise. However, that was her fault. If she gets into trouble with her sister and brother around that’s a whole new can of worms. One she’d rather avoid. There’s so much pleading on Ashton’s face though. And of course it had to be a girl too. Races aren’t scary, but they can get nasty.“You ain’t racing for pinks are you? Hate to leave you stranded.”

He shakes his head. “No, I’m in no position to race for pinks.”

The house is in decent condition, but he’s between jobs and needs to find a new source of cash fast. His cars the only thing he’s got going for him. He was let off from his previous gig because the owner was worried about his rep. Not that Ashton wasn’t hard working and diligent at whatever he put his hands on. He busted his ass at work. The owner was looking at a ‘bigger picture.’ It’s bullshit if Ashton is asked. He didn’t throw a fit in front of the owner. He thought about it. He wanted to, but he didn’t want to ruin his chances. He quietly took the week’s pay and left the office. He’s got good word from this boss to another place. Ashton’s worried that his reputation is going to precede him all his life though.

Ashton finally continues, “Please, I need your help. I need the bread and she’s--she’s different, Cookie. She’s giving me a shot.” He’s totally smitten, but he wouldn’t completely admit that. Sandra didn’t exactly grow up on this side of town. None of the guys can help him out. Cookie’s his only shot.

It’s one of her few days where she doesn’t have to be on shift during the morning. She had really just wanted to hit the store to see if the hair grease she needed has been restocked and she wanted to just not think about anything until work.

“Look,” she points over to Teresa and Curtis, “y’all gotta keep tight ships on those lips.”

“Thank you!” Ashton shouts and her siblings chorus.

“And you,” she starts, finger singling him out. “I beat feet after it’s done.” Cookie agrees. “But if there’s any heat, I am not hanging around.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Ashton gushes, wrapping her up in a quick hug. “And I totally understand about the cops. I’d literally do whatever to shake your trail. You know that.”

“I know.I know. You surely know how to put a girl in a pickle.”

“It’s a specialty,” Ashton returns. His grin wide.

The kids continue their game of War before Cookie’s pulling out of the driveway first and waiting for Ashton to lead the way. Admittedly, Ashton didn’t tell Cookie that Sandra was a Soc, a Prep. But maybe she had figured it out by the way he talked about her inexperience with races. Most people would probably laugh at the fact he’s into a Soc. And he knows Cookie would never judge him, but sometimes even he felt a little shame in it. But Sandra is a saint and Ashton is in need of a blessing.

His logic isn’t flawed, but it is a little wishful. If he wins the race, Ashton can show Sandra his world’s not all that bad, it’s not all dangerous. It has it’s danger for sure. But if he could just get her to see the good, then maybe he had proven that the labels were unjust. And it’s twisted thinking he knows. Sandra already seems him as a good person, she already sees something in him. But it’s the outside world. It was always going to be the outside world it seemed that would be in the way. It reminds of how he was with Cookie and god, it makes him feel like an asshole. He could be the first person to admit that. He would be the first to admit that.

When they get the makeshift track, old back roads that lead to the deserted factory, Ashton spots the boys. They rush up from the dirt sides. Calum checked the car before he left this morning. But that was then and now it needs another glance, checking for holes in tires or rocks in the tracks.

Ashton finds her, Sandra, in her red dress with black polka dots. She waves, but doesn’t make a move closer from her car. She swore to Ashton she would find a way to the race. He insisted that they could meet somewhere, but when she looked down, biting the side of her lip, he knew not to push it. He walks over, cheeks lifting into a grin.

“I feel so overdressed,” Sandra whispers, tucking more of her hair behind her ear.

“Nah, I dig it.” It’s who she is and Ashton can’t stop the thundering of his heart.

“You sure this isn’t an issue? Like I thought pinks would be involved and everyone here looks,” she doesn’t finish the sentence. This isn’t her crowd. She knows it; Ashton knows it. Ashton’s sweet though. Always helps her grandmother with the bags to her car. He even referred them to a great car shop. One of his friends works there, always looks out for them and makes sure to work on their car exclusively. He’s for sure a fun time, always laughing at something, always making up a new gig when there’s only her in the store and the radio’s playing a good song. But this isn’t her crowd. She’s not sure how they’re going to accept her.

“Hey, my guys are cool. Stick with them and there will be no issue,” Ashton urges.

Sandra goes to speak, but then she notices a girl with a fro walking up to her, lips painted red. It’s a bold choice, but she wears it well. Ashton’s thankful that Cookie’s approaching. “That’s Cookie. Calum’s girl. The guy that works on your grandmother’s car. I told you she’d be here.”

Sandra nods, a smile lifting her lips. It’s a little bit more comforting to have someone else on Ashton’s side, that’s not a Greaser as company. She thinks the whole Greaser versus Socs is ridiculous, but she’s not naive to think that the lines don’t exist for everyone else. “You Ashton’s girl?” Cookie asks, knowing the true answer. But it’ll make both of them turn red and Cookie can’t pass up on that opportunity.

“Oh, no,” she mumbles as both their cheeks turn beat red. There’s a blashful glance between both of them. Ashton’s hoping Cookie’s teasing isn’t too much but he does like the sound of her being his girl. He needs to win this race, make a good impression and keep Sandra around. That’s all he wants.

“Alright, Ms. Red, you guys are just friendly. I get it. Mind if I borrow the pretty lady for a moment?” Cookie extenders her elbow, waiting for the gentle grip to move them out the way of the race.

The touch is light and they walk up to the side of the road. Cookie can feel the nerves off Ashton’s girl. She keeps looking over her shoulders. Like she’s afraid something is gonna jump out at her. “First race?” Cookie asks.

The girl nods, ends of her hair flying up in the wind. “Ms. Red? That’s a new one.”

“What’s ya name? Maybe you’d like that more.”

“Sandra. But I like Red better. You’re the one really wearing the devil’s paint better than I ever could.”

“Then Ms. Red it is. And nothin�� wrong with a little make up.”

“Oh, no, I didn’t mean it like that. I just--,”

“Don’t have a cow, sweetheart. Just kidding around.”

They reach Cookie’s car, her siblings eying the girl on her arm. They’re suspicious of every new person they meet. It took them ages to warm up to Luke, Ashton, and Michael. She can’t blame them. Every white person to cross their path has only ever spit on them. She’s praying that they don’t hold such skepticism in their heart all the time. “Teresa and Curtis, my sister and brother. Ms. Red.”

Both of them give curt nods. Cookie goes on to introduce the rest of the crew before hopping into the backseat of her car with her siblings, she sits on the edge of the door, feet planted on the seat. Curtis sits between her legs. Teresa right in front of him. “Take a front row seat,” she offers to Sandra waving to the passenger side seat. Calum leans up against her car, right behind Cookie and her siblings, his hands buried in his pocket of his work pants. The switchblade curled into his fingers.

Sandra doesn’t miss the tension. She looks up to Cookie, the fear flashing over her face. “They don’t bite. Well, for anklebiters, they don’t,” she assures.

“You’re going to regret that,” Teresa interject, lightly tapping her sisters ankle. “White people just never done us no good.”

Kids, they’ll always be honest. “Tes,” Cookie warns. The tension is still thick, but the engines roar and Sandra jolts at the sound. “Get in, Red unless you want dust on that pretty little dress.”

“Thank you.” She smiles, climbs into the car and then kneels on the seat to watch them. Another girl, from the opponent's side, stands in the middle of lanes, scarf in her hand. She holds it above her head. She holds it there for a moment. Ashton revs his engine, just get get under the guy’s skin. “The car’s a lot louder,” Sandra comments. It’s to no one in particular. Curtis climbs to the passenger side of the back seat and stands, looking over the door.

“Ashton’s engine is souped up thanks to Calum,” he says as the rumble settles. “Nothing illegal. Just gives him more speed from the start and he can maintain it for the entire race.”

“Hey, look at my man paying attention,” Calum laughs, holding his palm straight up for Curtis to slap it. They go about their handshake, a series of slap, pumps, and snaps.

Curtis looks up to Sandra. “We ain’t trying to be mean. We just...sissy, what’s the word? Scared, but like not scared scared.”

“Worried or maybe concerned,” comes from both his sisters.

“Concerned,” Curtis repeats to Sandra. She nods. It makes sense all things considered for them. They have to be cautious to some degree. It’s a matter of life or death. Cookie’s teasing and offering of her car makes Sandra’s less anxious though. She’s completely outside of her realm and needs an anchor. They’re nice. “Nice dress too,” he concludes. “Sissy has a skirt like it.”

Before she can express her gratitude, engines growl to life yet again and Sandra snaps her attention to the road. Ashton doesn’t press down hard on the gas; he, in fact, gives the initial lead away. He can come behind and cut to the inside on the turn. He’s not worried about a lead. He’s got a plan. He always has a plan.

Sandra grips at the door, heart thundering in her chest. “C’mon, Ash. Take him.” The words are falling from her lips before she’s even realized it. After the initial kick up of a dust cloud, she can make out Ashton sliding inside. The first turn comes up and he cuts to the inside. There’s a tap to his bumper, but he tries not to show it. Keeps a steady hand on the wheel to correct.

There’s cheering, but it’s hard to catch it over the rumble of the engines. Sandra can feel it bubbling in her chest as she wants to join in again. She wants to scream his name. She wants to let him know she’s rooting for him. As the second straight away comes up, Ashton falls back just a little. The noses of their cars keep trading places.

Her pulse quickens, veins pumping against her skin. But Ashton looks so calm as they round in for the second lap. “Leave him in the dust! Burn rubber!” Sandra screams. It feels good to let the primal shout leave her lips. Louder shouts from Cookie and Ashton’s group start to cut through the rumble. The entire side of the road is almost as big of a roar as the cars themselves.

Ashton slips in front and hauls ass, pressing harder onto the gas. It kicks up another sputter of dust. As the last straight away comes up, Ashton keeps the car going as fast as it can. He doesn’t even stop until he blows past the start line. “Yes!” Sandra cries, pumping her arms into the air. As the drivers meet, shaking hands and exchanging cash, she climbs out of car and rushes over to Ashton.

“That was incredible,” she gushes. Her heart is still racing. He notices the childlike awe lighting up her eyes.

“Aw, shucks. It won’t nothing,” he replies, cheeks warming as her compliment. That was admittedly a tame race. They can get uglier, there can be scraps. But it’s a relief it didn’t happen. He didn’t want to show her that. He’s careful to stand in front of some of the nicks on the car He knows they traded taps on the course.

“It was pretty amazing to me.” The rest of them walk over, to congratulate Ashton. Cookie, much to her word, leaves after giving her cheers. Calum follows directly behind her, wanting to make sure she gets home safe.

“We ought to celebrate!” Sandra grins, brushing her hands over Ashton’s. She notes the rings adorning his fingers and plays at the pinky ring. “My treat! I’ve got a little of an allowance. What do you say?”

Ashton, flustered at the feel of her fingers over his, nods. “But I can cover myself.”

“Nonsense, you just won! No need to spend the earnings already.”

“I can’t.” He can pay his way through the world and he for sure doesn’t want to seem like he’s too willingly to take advantage of her niceness.

“Ice it. You’re getting a treat! And don’t think you can run off either,” she warns, walking back to her car.

Holding up his hands, Ashton knows he’s a goner. Hook, line, and sinker, there’s nothing he can do to save himself. The smile rests on Ashton’s face makes his whole body warm. “I’m listening. No runnin’ from me, ma’am.”

The rest of his guys cheer on his victory but soon it’s wrapped up and he climbs into his car, preparing to follow behind Sandra. Down the streets, Ashton realizes that he’s going further north. The anxiety starts to hammer at his chest and his fingers tremble. God, he doesn’t need trouble. Not right now, not after such a great victory.

Staring up at the sign of the parlour, Ashton’s takes a moment to exhale. He can’t afford trouble. He won’t get into trouble. He won’t. He’s going to just go inside, get a quick treat and then go on about his day. He parks right next to her, climbing out of the car. Eyes are already burning holes into his skin. He tries to swallow that bit of panic that his chest.

The leather jacket feels less like an accessory anymore. It’s armor. He wears it so they know. So they don’t start shit. He wears it so when his shoulders fall, the bulk keeps them wide. Even if he’s not looking for a fight, it looks like he’s ready to scrap.

“What’s your poison?” she jokes as they walk in together. “Stud like you maybe it’s chocolate.”

Ashton laughs softly, shaking his head a little. “I’m actually pretty square. Vanilla’s my vice.”

“Mr. Big and Bad goes for vanilla.”

“He does. Can’t tell anyone though.”

“Secret’s safe with me,” she winks, walking up to the counter to order the shake and even a slice of something for him as well. It’s as she leans against the cool material that she notices the distinct sneer on one of the waitress’ face. It dawns on her. She’s brought him to her side of town. But they don’t know him like she does. So she juts out her chin, reaching into the pocket of her dress. She plays at the bills and finally they girl walks down.

Sandra doesn’t let her open her mouth. “Vanilla milkshake, two straws. Slice of chocolate cake if there’s any left.”

“Anything else?”

A shake of the head no and she turns around to see Ashton, smiling up at her. He digs into his pocket and finds some change before walking over to the jukebox. He looks through the selection. He could be a sap. But right now he feels like making a little scene. He slips in the coin and presses for “The Twist”. Ashton snaps his fingers to beat, looking over his shoulder to her. She leans against the counter, laughing, hair flying in the ponytail.

Ashton starts tapping his foot, shuffling closer to her. People, he’s learned, are always staring at him. He’s gonna give them a reason to stare now. Sandra is beside herself, watching him singing along, while twisting himself side to side. The only thing that matters is her smile, her laugh. Ashton likes being a bit of a goof. He likes to have fun. He knows his life has never been easy, but there’s no reason not to smile. He makes it a goal to make someone smile each day. They deserve, everyone deserves a bit of kindness in the world. He thinks himself to be lucky to give that to anyone. Sandra admires that in him. This drive to give everyone a little piece of happiness.

When Ashton slides his way up to her, holding out his head, she doesn’t hesitate to give into his antics. They dance in the middle of parlour. She holds onto hands, bending her knees. It’s easy to twist her torso side to side. She’s never been able to do this before. To just let herself go. It’s normally so much emphasis on being a lady, being prim and proper. She’s never really ascribed to you, in a way that she wholeheartedly believed. But she was well aware of the society she was in, the role she was told she had to play.

But she didn’t have to play games with Ashton. She didn’t have to pretend. If she wanted to swear, which she never did anyhow, she knew she could. If she wanted to let her hair down, she could. If she wanted to sit unladylike, she could. She was not restricted with him. And that freedom, the vulnerability, made her fall even more in love with him. God, was she in love with him?

“Uh, you want this shake or not?” the girl behind the counter shouts. “Been waiting for forever over here.”

Sandra walks over, sliding the cash across the counter. “Sorry. Just havin’ some fun.” Another set of hands slide in around her and grab the glass and the plate. She immediately notes the slender fingers, the rings.

“Just a little dancin’ sweetheart. No need to get heated,” he says before going back to their table. He notes one shake and the two straws. “Bold, are we?” he teases, handing one to her.

“What can I say? I’m livin’ on the wild side.”

Ashton brings a piece of the cake to his lips while speaking. “Yeah, so wild your hair’s still up.”

It’s not a challenge, just a tease. But Sandra brings a hand to her hair, untwist the elastic around her hair. Her hair falls down over her shoulders as she shakes it loose. “Anything else to say, Stud?”

No, he’s got nothing else to say. That’s the thing about her, behind her button nose and blue eyes are a curiosity, a yearning to live life the way she wants to, not the way she’s been told to live it.

Outside at their respective cars, Sandra slips her hair tie from her wrist. The bow sells it, makes his heart warm more than he’s willing to admit as she slides it onto Ashton’s wrist. “Something to remember me by,” she grins softly.

“I’m always thinkin’ about you. So it’s not hard.”

“Smooth talking there.”

Ashton brings his fingers to her cheek before tucking just a little bit of her hair behind her ears. “When can I see you again?” Tomorrow’s her grandmothers doctor’s appointment. She starts her new job the day after. He’ll be okay even if it’s just for a quick moment to enjoy her company.

“I’ll ya a ring, okay?”

He nods, “Okay.”

_______________________________________________

He knows Sandra’s grandmother’s car when it pulls into the gas station. He managed to snag this gig at the gas station. It’s not a lot, but it’s something. He doesn’t quite want to go into the factory just yet. He knows it’ll make him the most money, but he’s gonna clean up his act before doing that. She smiles at him, as he closes in on her hair. She’s still has her driving gloves on. “What can I do for ya, Ma’am?” Ashton teases, opening the gas cover.

“Fill her up.”

“How was work?” She’s a secretary at the firm in town. Not a lot, nothing to write home about but it helps out. Every cent does now for her and her grandmother. Her grandmother’s not sickly. Just getting up in age, requires a lot more attention.

“Long, just glad it’s over.” There’s a moment of silence. “Grandma wants to meet you,” Sandra says. Her voice is soft.

Ashton’s been dreading this. Her grandmother isn’t fond of people like him. Though she smiled in his face when he carried her bags, Sandra tells him that always sneered at home. Always said boys like him were no good. “Thought she hated me.”

“She likes you. Likes the man that makes me smile. But she doesn’t like how she’s never met you, according to her.”

“But once she finds out it’s me, she’s gonna blow her top.”

“No, she’s not. She won’t. I promise.” He finds that hard to believe. He wants to believe her. She seems so earnest. But Ashton knows that older people are set in their ways. He finishes filling her tank, taking the change from her fingers. “Hey, hey,” she urges, gripping his chin. “She’s gonna love you. Because you’re incredible and she just hasn’t seen that. All she’s seen is the leather jacket, the hair. She’s only heart stories. But she’s never sat down with the real you.”

“Most people don’t need to sit down with the real me to judge me.”

“She’s gonna love you.”

“You can’t promise that.”

“I can.” It hurts to see him pull his chin from her grasps. It’s not hard, not a jerk, just a soft turn to his head until her fingers fall from around his skin.

“How?”

“Because she don’t know you like I do. She’s gonna love you because I love you.”

His heart beats against his ribs. They’ve been seeing each other, including tucked into dark corners, for only a few months. But to say that she loves him, that’s a whole new thing. “You love me?” The question exhales from his lungs so softly she barely catches it.

With a nod, she grins. “Yeah, yeah I think I do. I know it’s only a few months, but call me young and dumb--,”

Ashton interrupts her with a kiss. “No, be young. Be dumb. We only get this shot once.” The words press against his lips. He should take his own advice. “I love you.”

Lip tucked between her teeth, she looks to the ground before glancing back into his hazel eyes. “So, my house. Saturday. 6:30?”

“Your house. Saturday. 6:30.”

________________

When Ashton stares up at the door, he swears for a hot second he might vomit. He tries to keep it down. These are his good penny loafers. He’d hate to ruin them. But there is just something in his gut that tells him that this dinner is a bad idea. It takes him another minutes to finally lift his hand to knock. There’s a moment before the door cracks open and Sandra is standing there, in a powder pink sleeveless dress, hair pulled back from her face.

“Oh is that him, dear?” Her grandmother calls, the voice far away.

It takes everything in Ashton to step through the threshold. When she finally rounds the corner, her smile falters. There it is. There’s the passing look of judgement clouding her face. “Hi, ma’am. How are you?” He asks, extending his hand.

She doesn’t reach for it. “Good, thank you.” Her gaze lands on Sandra. “Sandy, can I speak with you? In private?”

The two woman walk down the hallway and Ashton stands, right near the door. He could bolt. He could leave it behind. But he stands there, knowing the hushed whispers being exchanged are about him, are about her and him together. The voices get a little louder. He caught “not good” amongst the hurried murmurs. He knows he shouldn’t interject. It’s not his place. He steps through the living room. They’re huddled together.

“Ma’am, I don’t mean to be rude,” he starts. “But I care deeply about your granddaughter. I know the reputation that I have. And I earned it. I won’t lie.”

“You say that like I should give you a shot,” her grandmother snips.

He shrugs. “I’d like one. I’m not the type to make excuses for myself.”

“I know about boys like you. You’re scared and you’re angry. And you take it out on anyone that looks at you the wrong way. You hang out with all those other boys too, all they do is drink and get into fights. Even the girls they associate with get into trouble too. You’re kind are no good.”

“Yeah, yeah maybe I am scared and maybe I am angry. Yeah, I’m a lowlife in your eyes. But I’m the lowlife that carried your groceries to your car for a year. And I’m the lowlife that that keeps the tank full even if Sandra can’t afford it at the time. I’m greasy and not the goody two shoes you’d want for her. Yeah I’ve been in my fair share of fights and yeah I’ve put some people in serious hurt. But I’m not so bad. I’ve been you, okay? I’ve been on the other side of this conversation where you’re so worried about what others are going to think. And all you can see is the trouble I’ve been in.”

He continues after wiping at his nose with the pad of his thumb. He’s riled up. He feels like an ass. Is this how Cookie felt? He can’t change that. He does right by her. He gets her now. “I know the bad I’ve done. But I know the good too. You think me heartless. I wish I was heartless. I wish I didn’t give a shit so much about so many things. Took a friend in because his parents abandoned him. I was barely scraping by for myself, but I took him in. He needed to finish school. I didn’t. I dropped out. Had to. But him, he’s smart. He deserved a second chance. And his girl, she’s brilliant. I mean, the mind on her- I wish she could go to college. But she can’t. Her heart’s too tied to her family. Oh, and she’s Black. So it’s not like anywhere is going to give her a second chance.

“And my friend, Mike, man’s a wizard at the guitar. I mean, that man is bad at the guitar. But he hates playing in front of a lot of people. He could’ve been gone. Luke, Luke’s got some pipes. But he won’t sing unless Michael plays and because Michael doesn’t play all that often, they’re both here. They got families they care deeply about. They got families that they gotta provide for. So you can think of us what you want. You can think us all bad. But you don’t know us. You think you know us. You only know what others have told you. I really don’t mean any disrespect, Ma’am. But I just want you to consider that. Consider people are more than what you know of them.”

He looks to Sandra, who’s wearing a smile on her face. This is the Ashton she knows. Not one to hold back his tongue, one to always fiercely protect the ones closest to him. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I’ll be staying for dinner.”

She watches the way he pops the collar on his polka dotted button up. She’s know sure where he got it. But it makes her immensely happy to know that he matched a dress of hers. His shoes are silent over the hardwood floors. Sandra turns back to her grandmother. “You always taught me to be kind to everyone, to keep in mind everyone has their own story. But you couldn’t even take your own advice.”

“I was kind,” her grandmother retorts.

Sandra shakes her head. “You know what I mean.” She hoped her grandmother would change, she thought she could get the opinion to change. But maybe her grandmother would destined to always be stuck.

“You can’t keep seeing that boy. He’s no good.”

The words mean nothing to Sandra. Her grandmother relies on her. She’s not a child. Holding on finger up to her grandmother, she races outside, finally hearing the car engine roar to life. The evening has a slight chill but it doesn’t stop her from racing to the driver side door. Ashton rolls down the window. It took him forever to even gain the courage to turn over the key in the ignition. She’s probably come out to tell him this is it.

“You didn’t have to come out to tell me. I know,” Ashton says, staring straight ahead.

“If you thought I came out here to tell you it’s over, you’re wrong.” Her voice is soft. She reaches through the window, playing at the collar of his shirt.

“What?” He’s positive he didn’t hear her right.

“She’s older. She doesn’t know you like I do.”

“But that’s your--,”

Sandra cuts him off. “I know who she is to me. But I’m an adult. I want to be with you. And she can’t stop me. Give me a minute, alright? We’ll go somewhere else.”

When her lips brush over his cheek, Ashton can only nod at her request. She walks back into the house. Her grandmother sits at the dining room table, hands clutching her cane. “You can’t keep seeing him. I forbid it.”

“Grandma, I love you. But since you refuse to sit down and have a conversation with him, I don’t think your advice is the most well informed. Now,” she starts fixing her grandmother a plate. “You’re gonna eat. I’ll be back to clean the dishes. But you just relax.”

“Where are you going? Not out with that boy, I know.”

“His name is Ashton. As I’ve told you before plenty of times.” The plates makes a soft thud on the placemat. “Eat. I’ll be back.” She puts the rest of the food up. Her grandmother watches, shouting at her that he’s no good. But no one’s perfect. And she if wanted perfection, she’d never find it. Maybe that was part of her grandmother’s problem. She craved perfection so bad, craved to fit in, to not shake the table that she never saw how unstable the table was in the first place.

“Enjoy your dinner!” Sandra shouts, throwing a sweater over her shoulders and grabbing her keys. Ashton is still waitin in the car. She climbs into the car. “Let’s drive,” she giggles.

“I got a destination in mind. Bit of a tradition. Hope it’s not too square.”

“You? A square? Never.” The drive isn’t very long. The skating rink comes into view and Ashton spies Calum’s bike still around. They still have a little bit of time. They have to go to the rink on the West side. Too many people stared at them, a group of white boys hanging around and friends with folks like Cookie and Calum. And it’s not to say they didn’t get looks on this side either. It’s not to say that Cookie’s unfortunately gotten into with a few of her own, but it’s generally safer.

“When we’re not supposedly running a muck of the town, we’re skating,” Ashton says.

“How’d you know I was a great skater?”

“You might’ve mentioned it once or twice.” She’s mentioned it more than that actually. But it’s not like Ashton’s keeping count. It’s not like he goes home and gushes to Calum probably too much about Sandra.

The pair walk inside and grab some skates. It takes a moment of wondering before they spy the rest of Ashton’s friends. Cookie spots them first, smiling. “What happened to the red, Ms. Red?”

“Let him borrow it for the day,” Sandra returns, rushing over to help take the pitcher from her hands. The table cheers, noticing the pair.

“Thought you had a fancy dinner?” Michael questions as they settle and tie up their skates. Ashton shakes his head. Michael catches on to the sour expression. That topic is canned without hesitation. They all knew about Ash’s concerns. They’re not really shocked, if they’re honest, that things went sour. It sucks nonetheless. They had hoped for Ashton Sandra’s grandmother wouldn’t be such an issue.

Ashton gets to his feet first and takes her hand. They step out onto the floor and she glides off. Ashton’s not a terrible skater, but he’s not the best either. She turns around and sees him pushing off hard. “Alright there, tough guy?”

He laughs. “Keep yappin’ that’s fine!”

As they come around a second time, the song shuffles. Everyone recognizes the start to Put Your Head on My Shoulder. People start pairing off. Ashton spies Calum and Cookie finally coming back out. Sandra slows into his side, fingers brushing over his. “You look as coordinated as a baby giraffe,” she teases.

“Keep talkin here, just keep on.” There’s a moment of quiet between them as the laughter dies down, gliding next to each other. A little slower than the rest of the crowd, but neither of them cares. “Sorry about being frosted back there. I just--people don’t understand. And sometimes they don’t want to. Which is frustrating.”

She nods. “I get that. I’m sorry she refuses to listen. I wish I could get through that thick skull sometimes. She means well, but sometimes she can do harm.”

Ashton stops along the wall, pulling her gently into him. “It happens. But you chose me. Over everything.”

She shrugs. “Easy choice, if I’m honest.” Ashton cups her face, fingers gently brushing over the soft skin. He’s lucky to have her. He’s lucky she chose him.

“Aren’t you worried?”

“I’ve got a lot of things to worry about. But not you.” Ashton leans in, just a smidge, lips capturing hers for a brief moment. His breath leaves him. He’s sure time is either paused or sped up but he doesn’t care. There are some wolf whistles that pass by. And both of them know it’s his friends. Sandra buries her face into Ashton’s shoulder, the heat flooding her cheeks.

“You guys are assholes,” Ashton laughs, watching Luke, Michael, and Calum pass by. The song fades out. Something more upbeat turns over the speakers. He coaxes her out from his shoulder. “Don’t mind them.”

“I mean, kind of hard not too.”

“But you got me, baby. You got me.”

Her eyes twinkle and she cups his cheek before kissing him. She does have him. That’s a comforting thought, one that makes her feel safe. As their lips part, Sandra exhales a bit breathy. “C’mon now before your knees knock and you fall.”

“You got jokes now,” Ashton hollers after her figure, skating away. “Now you got jokes. I see how it is.”

The evening is filled with too many orders of cheese fries to be healthy, too many refills for Cokes. They sing along to the speakers and Sandra laughs, hooking her arm through Ashton’s. “You didn’t tell me you could sing.”

His smile is bashful, face turning red. “You ain’t ask before.”

“The four of you ought to start a band or something,” she concludes. She’s heard the stories of Michael’s historic guitar playing. Stayed over at night, once, to listen to the four of them act a fool, singing until the wee hours of the morning.

“Good luck with that,” Cookie interjects. “All of ‘em hardheaded. Mine especially.”

“But you love it anyway, doll,” Calum returns, kissing her temple.

The group decides as the twilight is swallowed up by night to turn in. Outside, they split off in various directions towards their cars. “Make sure you get your red back,” Cookie hollers, trailing behind Calum. “You look betta in it anyways!”

The group howls at the comment. “Nah, baby, it’s a team effort.”

In a flash, Cookie runs up, laughing, leaving Calum to wait at the bike. “I know that’s right. Good seeing you again,” she adds on sincerely. “I mean it, too.” Since the race, Sandra’s tried to talk to Cookie more, tried to ease the tension that inevitably may not disappear completely. But they can try. “Mrs and Mr. Red,” she laughs with a wink.

“See how she put Mrs, first,” Sandra grins.

Ashton nods. “Yes, yes, I most definitely did.”

Ashton pulls into her driveway, staring back at the same doors that shut him out. It’s okay. That door need not ope, he concludes. Sandra stretches across to give him one last kiss. It deepens when Ashton takes hold of her face. It’s not a kiss that conveys the passion that’s brewing in the both of them. It’s not a kiss that’s light and airy. It’s a kiss that spells how desperate they are for the other to know, deep down, this is real.

As they part, Ashton pulls off one of the main rings he wears and plucks the necklace off from around her neck. Threading the chunky gold metal onto the dainty chain, he rehooks the necklace around her neck. Sandra drops her hair around her shoulders to take a look at it sitting over the powder pink to her dress. “Something to remember me by,” he explains, from his wrist, she can see the hair tie still. How did she miss that?

“I could never forget.”

She climbs out of the car and he watches to make sure she gets inside. As the door closes behind her, she grins to herself. Making choices is scary. She knows her grandmother will not be quiet about her stance. But this is the first choice that was solely hers to make. And she’s proud of it.

#ashton irwin #ashton irwin fic #ashton irwin fanfic #ashton irwin imagine #ashton irwin blurb #5sos #5sos fanfic #5sos fic #5 seconds of summer #5 seconds of summer fanfic #5 seconds of summer imagine #5sos blurb #h writes #greaser!AU #calum hood #luke hemmings #michael clifford #5 seconds of summer fic

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second-hand-heaven · 7 years ago

Text

More Than a Butler

Alfred and the Waynes were very... close. Here’s a look at how close.

Ao3

Summ: “Can you love more than one person at the same time?” Bruce finally spits out, and Alfred can barely contain a laugh. Bruce turns to him sharply, eyes narrowed.

He should apologise for laughing at Bruce’s inner turmoil, but Alfred just smiles, not unkindly. “My dear boy, I very much hope so.”

Bruce has a personal dilemma, and Alfred has a secret.

Master Bruce is in the den, curled up on the sofa like he isn’t a six foot two mass of muscle and scar tissue. He stares into the fireplace, thoughts elsewhere, not bothering to look up as Alfred enters the room. There was no patrol tonight, not in this harsh weather, and Alfred considered it a blessing to see the master of the house take a night off.

There’s still tension in Bruce’s shoulders, something unsettling him. It can’t be a case, or else he’d be locked away in the Cave, so it must be something of a more personal variety. The only solution on Alfred’s part is to wait and offer guidance if asked- and maybe before he’s asked, if Master Bruce is particularly slow. Alfred sets down the tray on the coffee table, the teacups never shifting in their saucers. “I thought you might like some tea,” Alfred says, pouring two cups. Bruce says noting, not that Alfred had expected him to. For a man as perceptive as Bruce, he could zone out with ease within the walls of this house, unaware of another’s presence.

The portrait of Martha and Thomas sits above the mantelpiece, their faces younger than that of the painting in the hall. Alfred smiles up at them softly, adding sugar to his own cup of tea. Even after all these years, he's never been able to kick the habit. Some things never change.

Saucer in hand, Alfred takes a seat on the sofa, perching beside Bruce. It’s only then that Bruce looks up from his silent contemplation. He makes it speak, then pauses, lips pursed. Alfred waits, takes a sip of tea, and waits some more.

“Can you love more than one person at the same time?” Bruce finally spits out, and Alfred can barely contain a laugh. Tea sloshes from his cup, pooling at the ridges of the saucer. Bruce turns to him sharply, eyes narrowed.

He should apologise for laughing at Bruce’s inner turmoil, but Alfred just smiles, not unkindly, and says, “my dear boy, I very much hope so.”

The Wayne’s were already married when Alfred began working for them. Young, intelligent, incredibly wealthy, both Thomas and Martha were stunningly beautiful. Right away, Alfred was half enamoured with the pair of them. It was their charisma at first, then later their unpolished charm, that drew Alfred deeper into the mess of unrequited pining.

It was the first rule of being ‘the help’: never fall for your employers. Or maybe it was the second rule, after ‘don’t steal the silverware’. Either way, there were lines that should never, could never be crossed. The Waynes were happily married, and Alfred was a chauffeur, nothing could ever happen. There were rules, goddammit!

But even in the SAS, Alfred was never the best at following rules. The rings on their fingers were a sore reminder each and every day, but he carried on as Pennyworths do. Jealousy was unbecoming, just as pining for one’s employers. But the Waynes made it so easy, with their soft smiles and invitations for private drinks. They were so easy to fall in love with, and so very hard to love.

. . .

It was a rare occasion to have only the three of them in the Manor, the Wayne household usually buzzing with activity. But tonight, the mistress had given the staff the night off, all of them except for Alfred. Thomas was home early from the office, a pleasant surprise. Alfred double checked the calendar to make sure he hadn’t missed a special occasion for the couple.

Alfred finished laying the table for two and called the Waynes to be seated. He pulled out their chairs and seated them, Martha first, then Thomas, placing the unfolded cloth napkins in their laps. Uncorking a fresh bottle of red from the cellar, he poured two glasses, and found Thomas holding out a third.

“Why don't you eat with us tonight?” Thomas asked, his smile broad and hopeful. “We do enjoy your company.”

Alfred frowned, “I don't think-” I don't think this is a good idea.

“Join us, please, Alfred,” Martha insisted. “The more the merrier.”

It was just the three of them, no one to comment on the lack of decorum in either party’s behalf. The alternative was a quiet dinner by himself in the kitchen, which sounded rather drab compared to the effervescent company of the Waynes. Not to mention, the sheer joy that arose at the thought of joining the Waynes for a meal, even if it were just a casual dinner. So Alfred nodded and fetched another dinner set, setting a third place at the table.

It was odd to begin with, but by the end of the entree, it was like they were old friends. And like old friends, the teasing was incessant, though Alfred gave back as good as he got. Thomas joked, Martha snooped, and Alfred gossiped. He nearly spat out his Merlot when Martha asked him, “are you seeing anyone?”

His cheeks nearly grew as red as the wine. “Ah, no ma’am. Seems I haven't had the time.”

Thomas frowned at him, calculating. “Perhaps you could do with some time off, have a chance to meet some new people?”

Alfred's eyes flew wide. “No! I mean, I'm perfectly happy with they way things are at present.” It was only a partial lie. “And really, could you survive without me for more than a day?”

Martha sighed dramatically, the back of her hand pressed against her forehead in a theatrical display. “We could never bear to let you go!”

“Insufferable,” Alfred huffed, with a smirk twitching at his lips. He played the unappreciated butler card countless times, much to their amusement.

“Oh but you love us, Alfie,” Thomas had said, jovial as ever as he clapped a hand on Alfred's shoulder. Alfred didn't correct him; there was nothing to correct. He just smiled demurely and took another sip of his wine.

. . .

It happened more often that Alfred had anticipated, Martha and Thomas inviting him to join them for dinner, or drinks, or other small activities. One night they would play poker, where Martha cleaned both Thomas and Alfred out, and the next they would simply sit by the fire in amicable silence. Together, the three of them would relax, enjoying one another’s company, and it pleased as much as confused poor Alfred.

Other times, they would come to him separately. Martha would insist he join her in the garden while she tended to the rose bushes she adored so greatly. He learnt the best times of year to prune, when to be harsh and when to be gentle to them. He learnt his mistress’ favourite strains and her desire to breed new ones. He learnt the sting of a rose thorn is nothing compared to unrequited longing.

Thomas would invite him for a game of chess, played with a glass or two of top shelf brandy and those cigars that Martha detested. They'd talk, mostly about nothing, sometimes about Martha: her new hat, what she'd like for her anniversary, a movie she was interested in seeing. Alfred kept it professional as always, but something at the back of his mind craved more, craved an intimacy unrestrained, an intimacy he could never achieve. So instead Alfred took another nip and moved his bishop. “Checkmate.”

. . .

For the Waynes’ upcoming wedding anniversary, Thomas had Alfred drive him to a jewellers in Midtown, high end, awfully exclusive. Expecting instructions to drive around the block for a while, Alfred was surprised to hear Thomas ask him to park and follow him into the store. It was hardly the first time his master had asked him along for such errands, but to help choose an anniversary gift? It was too much.

But still, he followed Thomas into the store just like he'd follow Thomas across No Man's Land, with a raised eyebrow and a quickening step. They browsed through the cabinets, Thomas touching Alfred’s arm any time he saw something of merit, excited like a child. After what felt like hours of looking at diamond after diamond, Thomas had grinned down at him and asked, “what do you think she’d like, Alfie?”

Alfie, such a term of endearment. How could he so much as think when Thomas called him such a name. “I-uhhh.” Alfred could feel a blush spread across his cheeks that refused to budge. “Pearls,” he suggested, “a rather elegant look, I’d think, sir.” A string of pearls, tight around his mistress’ taut and regal throat, made a beautiful picture.

“Thomas,” the doctor corrected, but he still nodded, pleased with the verdict. “Pearls it is,” he said, and asked the sales assistant what they had with pearls.

. . .

Later that night, they gathered in the den, Alfred serving some coffee, when Thomas produced a box done up in an elaborate bow. The box from the jewellery store, Alfred recalled, and was about to leave the room to give his employers some much needed privacy.

“These are from us,” Thomas had said as he handed the gift to his wife, oblivious to Alfred’s shock. “Alfie helped pick them out.” He pressed a kiss to Martha's cheek, so intimate that Alfred had to look away. “Happy anniversary.”

She opened the box and gasped at the sight, two strings of pearls laid out across navy velvet. Hand to her heart, she said, “thank you, boys,” and held up the pearls to the light, examining their shine. “They’re beautiful.”

They were superb, Alfred had to agree. They might even be worthy enough to decorate his mistress’ throat.

“Alfred, dear, would you mind?” she’d asked, holding the necklace to her throat with one hand, the other holding her loose hair away from the chain.

Him? Unsure of what games his employers were playing, Alfred played along. He crossed the room until he was behind Martha, and with shaking hands he took the clasp. His fingers brushed against Martha’s as he took hold of the fastener, a simple touch that he could never forget. He tried to close the clasp, but his hands, hands that never shook in the heat of battle, would not comply. He felt a brush of fabric against his back, a seam from a lapel perhaps. Alfred swallowed thickly, not daring to move.

“Nervous?” Alfred heard Thomas say, impossibly close to his ear. “Don't be. Let me help.” Thomas’s hands covered Alfred’s, the surgeon’s hands steadying the soldier’s. Together, they worked the clasp of the necklace around Martha’s throat. “Done.” Thomas announced, but didn’t let go of Alfred’s hands. Alfred held his breath as Thomas brought their joined left hands to his lips, a feather-light kiss ghosting across Alfred's knuckles.

Alfred jerked free of Thomas’s grasp, and spun across the room, trying to put some distance between them. “What on Earth is going on?” Alfred cried, humiliation burning in his throat.

Martha and Thomas stared at him in shock. “Alfred, we-” they tried, but Alfred cut them off.

“No, I will not have this… this teasing any longer.” Anger melted away until he was left with resignation and a hopeless sadness. “I thought I could conceal myself, my feelings, but I was incorrect. I-I apologise. I will be gone before the morning.”

Martha blinked at him. “Alfred, we aren’t teasing.” She moved closer and closer to Alfred, who was frozen to the spot. “We want you, if you’ll have us.”

Alfred spluttered in disbelief. “What?”

“We’re serious,” Thomas said, now at his wife’s shoulder, “we’d like you to join us. Intimately. Not just for tonight.” He took Alfred’s hand in his, rubbing his thumb over Alfred’s knuckles. “An arrangement between the three of us could be most rewarding.” His smile was welcoming, sincere, and Alfred could not bring himself to believe their words to be a lie. He thought of the dinners with just the three of them, the late night drinks. He thought of Martha's smile amongst rosebuds, Thomas’s lips wrapped in a smile around a cigar, idle chatter and warm touches. They wouldn't lie to him, not now.

“But,” Alfred tried to protest, but the only excuse that came to mind was “it’s your anniversary?”

Martha grinned, taking hold of his tie and pulling him down close enough for a kiss. “Think of yourself as the gift,” she whispered, before closing the distance between their lips.

. . .

It was a messy affair, with plenty of near-misses, but no one in the Wayne household was stupid or brave enough to mention it. It would have been worth the scandal, he had decided, just to have had a moment with them. But there were plenty of moments, both luxurious and short, where the three of them could be together in the most casual and intimate ways. It was easy for Alfred to love them, far too easy.

It all came to a head when they found out Martha was pregnant. A joyous occasion, surely. But the question that none of them were willing to ask was, of course, whose child would it be? Alfred knew, in name at least, the child would never be his, and it hurt more than he could admit.

That night, Thomas had found him on the Manor roof, with a bottle of whiskey and two cigars in hand. He sat beside Alfred, their shoulders pressed together, and lit both cigars, passing one to Alfred. In silence, they smoked and drank, watching the Gotham skyline light up the night.

“Shouldn’t you be celebrating with your wife?” Alfred had finally said, looking anywhere other than at the man beside him. “It is, after all, your child.”

But Thomas would never rise to Alfred’s bait. “You know,” Thomas said, taking another swig, “I quite like the thought that it might be your child.” Alfred had gaped at him, cigar nearly falling from his hand until Thomas took it in his own, stubbing out the cigar against the roof tiles, but keeping hold of that hand. “We love you, I love you, and by God will we love this child.”

Alfred nodded silently. He would, until the end of his days. The floodgates opened, tears spilling down Alfred’s cheeks. Thomas chuckled and held Alfred to his chest as he sobbed, whispering soothing words into Alfred’s hair, chest rumbling against Alfred’s cheek. The comfort of Thomas’s arms was almost unrivalled. “You’ll be an excellent father,” Alfred had said, once his tears had subsided. He pulled away, just a fraction, but kept hold of Thomas’s hand.

Thomas smiled and pressed the whiskey bottle to Alfred’s chest. “As will you.”

. . .

They never did find out who the father was. It never mattered. Bruce was their child, a child born to the three of them, no matter what the birth certificate said. For all intents and purposes, Bruce Wayne was the son of Thomas and Martha Wayne, and Alfred was a chauffeur, a butler, whatever his role was for the day. And that was okay. Bruce grew up in a household that loved him, his blue eyes always sparkling with mischief. As his hair changed from soft blonde to unruly, inky dark curls, they were none the wiser about his parentage.

Alfred worked in, for, a household that loved him, but loved him behind closed doors. The Manor afforded some privacy, but the public eye was ever-watchful. It was unheard of for a butler, or a glorified chauffer, to join his employers to the opera, to dinner, or to the theatre. So he would wait, always wait, and and try not to think of what could be.

He should have been there. He should have done something to save them. Too late, he heard of their blood and pearls spilled in a dark and grisly alleyway. He’d have collapsed in grief, but their son, his son, was alive. He raced to the scene and he clung to the boy tighter than ever before. Bruce was safe, and Alfred vowed to keep him safe for as long as he took breath.

Bruce gapes at him. “Alfred, I never…” I never knew.

The World’s Greatest Detective, deceived by an old man, he would laugh if it weren’t so painful to think about all the lies they told, even after all these years. “And you were never meant to know, not really. We wanted to tell you when you were older, but then…” but then they died. “I didn’t want the memory of your parents to be sullied,” he decides on saying, biting the inside of his cheek.

“Sullied? Alfred, it would never do that. You could never do that.” There a certainty in Bruce’s voice that brings tears to Alfred’s eyes. “All these years, in silence?”

Alfred nods, tears stinging, unshed. “I loved them, Master Bruce, in silence or otherwise.” The truth fills the room, spilling across every surface. He looks up at the ceiling, taking a moment to compose himself. “So yes, I believe you can love more than one person at once. You are not broken, nor are you foolish or indecisive. Well, perhaps just a little foolish.” He sends a wry smile in Bruce’s direction. “But love is foolishness. And love is precious. Your love is precious, Bruce, don’t let it be silent.”

Bruce nods, his blue eyes glittering. Look at them, Alfred thinks to himself, two grown men brought to tears by love. Thomas and Martha must be laughing at them somewhere, surely.

Alfred clears his throat. “So, will Ms Prince and Master Kent be accompanying you for dinner tomorrow night?” It’s hardly a secret who Bruce could have meant, not to Alfred.

“Not tomorrow night,” Bruce says, though it’s not a denial.

Alfred hides the smirk that teases at the corner of his mouth. “The night after, perhaps?”

“Sounds good,” Bruce smiles at him and nods. He reaches across the space between them, covering Alfred’s hand in his. “Thank you,” Bruce says, and that’s all it takes for the tears to fall.

The figures of portrait above the fireplace watch on, smiles on both their faces.

FIN

#pennywaynes #dc #fic #my fic #alfred pennyworth #martha wayne #thomas wayne #alfred/martha/thomas #bruce wayne #hints at superwonderbat #polyamory #poly waynes #poly alfred

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writtenonthesubwaywalls · 7 years ago

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Library

(part one) (prev) (next)

Two

Alfred collapsed onto the couch in his apartment. Within moment, he was joined by his brother, who plopped down with a huff. Their legs tangled together in the middle between them, and one of them turned on a stereo across the room with a remote.

“So,” he started, “Design anything fancy today?”

“You do realize that just because I’m a military blueprinter, that doesn’t mean that that’s the only thing we do, right?”

Alfred laughed at his brother’s exasperated eye-roll. “Yeah, I know. It’s just so fun to mess with you.” He groaned dramatically. “What’s on right now? Train?”

Matthew turned his head in the general direction of the stereo. “I think so. Want me to change it?”

“God, please change it. Put on something good like the Offspring or something. Just turn off Train for the love of god.”

“What do you have against Train?” Matthew asked him. Nonetheless, he leaned over the arm of the couch to change the song. “How about Weezer?” Alfred hummed. “Alright, Weezer it is then.”

He turned the volume up a tad, and the brothers stayed like that, just listening to their music and relaxing for a few minutes. Matthew interrupted the song a few minutes later. “Today was your first day at the library, right? How was it?”

Alfred sighed. “It was good, for the most part. The library’s director wasn’t there, because he’s visiting family out in Russia or something, but this other guy named Toris was there and he was super nice and stuff. Oh and there was this older guy there. He didn’t work there, but he apparently is like a regular or something and knows everyone well. Anyways, he was saying how I wouldn’t be able to keep up with everyone else there or something.” He stopped and stared at the ceiling in confusion. “You know, I didn’t think much about it at the time, but now that I’m talking about it he almost sounded like he was threatening me because I’m new.”

“That’s… really weird, Al,” Matthew commented, in equal confusion. “Why would he do that?”

“I don’t know! I didn’t do anything to him, so why would he have it out for me?” Alfred voiced his exasperation from the day, emphasizing it with a flourish of his hands. “I had only been there for, like, a few hours, so it’s not like he could’ve just decided I was a terrible person or anything, right?” He shook his head and huffed, pouting.

Matthew waited a moment before changing the subject. “So what’re we doing for dinner tonight?”

“I don’t want to cook,” Alfred whined, drawing out the syllables. “Why don’t we just order a pizza or something?”

“With what money?”

“...Fair point.”

The duo thought about their current dilemma, the day’s events already forgotten. “What do we have in the kitchen, anyways? Sugar and cereal?”

Matthew stood, going into the kitchen to search it. Soon, after hearing a bunch of shuffling around, Alfred joined his brother.

On the fold out care table set against the wall was several boxes and containers, all containing various foods or food ingredients. Matthew motioned to it. “This is everything we have in the apartment right now, besides the ice cream and thin mints in the freezer.”

Alfred raised his eyebrows, disbelieving. He pointed at each item as he named them off. “Cereal, cereal, pop tarts, half of a box of pasta, sugar; You’re sure this is it?”

“Yep, this is it. We really need to go grocery shopping soon.” Alfred nodded in agreement. He opened his mouth to suggest something, when Matthew cut him off. “No, we can’t just eat frozen dairy-solution and girl scout cookies for dinner.”

Alfred let out a sigh that turned into a groan. “I don’t want to skip dinner again. I haven't eaten since yesterday, Mattie! I’m going to die!” He threw himself down on the floor dramatically, laying his arm across his eyes as though he were a lady in a play set in old England that had fainted.

Matthew kicked him in the side playfully. “Come on you idiot, we need to go to the store so we don’t starve.” Alfred grumbled, but picked himself up off of the floor to follow him out the door.

They got to the car, and Matthew tossed him the keys over the car, slipping into the passenger side at the same time.

“Why do I have to drive?” he complained.

“Because you are the one being dramatic about our not-having-food-ness. Therefor, you have to drive.”

“You are the worst, you know that?”

He grinned smugly. “Yeah, I know.”

At the checkout aisle in the store, once they had gotten everything that they had needed- “Alfred, no, we don’t need that, put it back.”- Matthew pulled out his wallet to pay, all in cash.

“We really need to start putting our money in the bank. I feel like a criminal that’s on the run paying in cash like that. It’s fucking shifty as hell.”

“Alfie, you are a bartender and I strip. All of our money right now is made from cash tips. Our account balance is at maybe twenty bucks? You’re just going to have to deal with feeling like a criminal for a while until we can both get our paychecks in about two weeks or so.”

“That doesn’t mean I have to like it,” he added under his breath. The brothers grabbed their bags and left the store. “When does your shift start tonight? Ten?”

“I think yours is earlier than mine today. Why?”

“Dunno. Just curious I guess.”

“Now that I think about it, isn’t it kind of weird that we, twin brothers, work at the same club? I mean, wouldn’t normal people think that’s strange?”

Alfred shrugged. “Who knows? But we’re not exactly normal people, are we? We don’t even live apart from each other. Just don’t think about it too much. I don’t!”

“Al, I’m not so sure you think about anything.”

“Shut up, Mattie.”

Alfred drove them back home, and they threw together something quick to eat before they had to depart for their night jobs. While they were eating, they talked about little things like the latest hockey game and whether or not the color red was too bright to have as the color of your bedroom.

They cleaned up, and both got dressed. “I drove to the store so you have to drive to work,” Alfred said, tossing him the keys on the way out.

They were both dressed fairly nicely, but differently, as their roles were different. Alfred had on a blue dress shirt under a black vest, with black dress slacks and a bright blue bowtie. Matthew was wearing a loose-fitting, dark red satin shirt, and similar pants, although his were tighter.

When they got to the club, Alfred led the way inside. At the doors, he paused, hand on the handle. “I’ll never understand how you can do what you do Mattie, and I commend you for it. I really don’t think you get enough respect and recognition for it.”

The comment caught the other off guard, and he tilted his head to the side. “Thanks, Alfie. I appreciate it. But if we don’t hurry we’re going to be late and we’ll have to work over.”

“Right, right,” Alfred turned and hurriedly opened the door. “Then let’s get to work.”

In the club, the neon lights colored their hair the colors of the nightlife, and shone off of their skin brightly. They both immediately went to their stations, working themselves right in along with everyone else smoothly, like they had been there the whole time.

Alfred carded a hand through his neatly styled hair to fuss his bangs, and he flashed his signature smile. He quickly got into the familiar rhythm of bartending; taking requests and filling them with a flamboyant show. He may have a English degree, but this was his true passion. It was raw, it took energy, and it was fun. Plus, it fed is extroverted need to be social.

One of his regulars came in and sat at the bar. He never paid any attention to the dancers like most of the guys that came in, but he never tried hitting on any of the bartenders either.

“Your usual, Arthur?” he asked, sliding a shot glass down the bar to another customer.

Arthur nodded, slumping over the bar and resting his head in his hand. Alfred finished with his drink, straight bourbon, and leaned on his elbows on the bar. “So, what was it today, chief? Homicide, rape victim?”

Arthur sighed. “I don’t know why you always ask me why I come here to drink. It’s never good, and I can only imagine it kills your mood.”

Someone yelled Alfred’s name, so he went back to making drinks while the two talked, just with less theatrics than before. “Yeah, but I don’t do it for me. It feels better to talk to someone about whatever’s eating at ya, isn’t it? So tell me, what’s up?”

“Today, we responded to a domestic abuse report by a man, and when we got there the woman had locked herself in her house with her hostage husband and set the whole thing on fire. It was brutal, and we couldn’t do anything about it.”

“Sounds rough, dude. That sucks.” He slid him another drink, this one a mix of Everclear and lemonade. “Here, this one’s on the house.”

“I don’t need your pity alcohol, Alfred.”

Alfred shrugged nonchalantly, wiping out a mug. “I could charge you for it, if you want me to.”

Arthur muttered something too quiet to hear over the music, but took the glass and tossed it back anyways. “Thanks,” he eventually said. Alfred smiled at him in response.

“Good to know you have some manners after all, Artie.”

“Oh, bugger off of it, Alfred.”

Alfred spared a glance at his brother to check on him, and he noticed the expression on his face; happy and exhausted. He, too, was truly in his element while they were working in the club, and it was here that he could let his colors fly.

“What are you looking at?” Arthur asked, turning to look in the same direction. “Do you have a thing for the blonde or something?”

Alfred chuckled and shook his head. “No, I don’t have a ‘thing’ for him; he’s my brother.”

Arthur’s eyed widened in surprise, and he had to do a double-take. “Your brother? Why do you and your brother work in the same club? Isn’t that weird?”

“Funny you should say that, actually. We don’t think it’s weird, but I guess a lot of people would. I mean, come on, it’s not like I watch his dances or anything. I’m over here bartending, so how would it be weird?”

“You were watching him just now, weren’t you?”

“I was just checking the crowd for creeps. He and I have a trust system going. He makes sure I don’t work myself to death and I make sure he doesn’t get kidnapped or something.” Alfred broke off the conversation, as he was called over by the other bartender for a house-unique display, finished with a flame that fogged the glass.

Instead of sticking behind to continue the conversation, Arthur left his money on the bar and departed. Alfred collected and counted it, and smiled. There was fifty dollars there, and the bill was only fifteen.

#na bros #aph america #aph canada #aph england #alfred f jones #matthew williams #arthur kirkland #hetalia #library #part two #bartender alfred #stipper canada

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rebellingstagnationblog · 7 years ago

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“It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” by Andy Williams (Day 19 of 31)

For @teh-bluejay who asked for a GameStop employee interaction with Drake.

(I’ve never been to GameStop myself, but I asked a reliable source [ @historian-in-pearls ] and watched some videos online so I hope this is what you were looking for!)

Drake heaved a relieved sigh as he dumped his purchases on the register’s counter. Flexing his hands, he hoped the feeling would return to them soon. He really should have gotten shopping basket or cart or something, but by the time he’d thought to grab one, he had already been holding the wireless controller and travel gaming console and it would’ve been awkward to go back to the front of the store to get anything, so he’d just grabbed the last of his items and went to stand in line.

For half an hour.

Drake hated Christmas.

The cashier plastered a smile on as he began to scan Drake’s items. “How are you today, sir?”

Drake muttered something incoherent as he dug out his wallet, fingers still not quite fully functioning. He fumbled a few times but eventually wrestled it free from its pocket.

“Did you find everything you were looking for?” the cashier asked.

Sighing, Drake grabbed his credit card and tapped it on the countertop.

Eyeing Drake’s card, the cashier reached for a pamphlet and opened it, displaying it for Drake to view. “I see you don’t have our super savings shoppers rewards card, sir. If you sign up today, you’ll get up to 40% off on all of your items and points that you could use on any future purchases.”

“No, thanks,” Drake glanced at his items. “Just these today.”

“Are you sure, sir? You could save a lot of money—”

“Stop selling me more stuff I don’t need. Just scan my things so I can get home.”

The cashier carefully folded up the pamphlet, Drake running his hand through his feathers as he tried to keep his cool. It wasn’t like he’d been here for almost two hours between finding parking, hunting down his items, then standing in that stupid line.

Except, oh, wait.

It was exactly like that.

“Do you have the other version of this game?” the cashier asked, holding up the box with the cartridge in it. “If you haven’t played the first four, then this one really won’t make much sense—”

“Listen here you little parasite,” Drake snapped, leaning forward. He stopped himself from grabbing the cashier by the collar of his shirt, but just barely. “If you do anything but scan these things and then let me pay for them, I swear I’ll—”

A few screams emitted somewhere behind him and Drake glanced around, eagerly searching for the cause.

It wasn’t hard to find.

“Video games rot your brain. Buy a tasteful Quackerjack toy instead!” Quackerjack spread his arms out, releasing his hoard of toy soldiers, teddy bears, baby dolls, monkeys playing cymbals, fire engines, and classic wind-up teeth.

Thank God.

His frustration evaporated, Drake turned back to the cashier. “So are you gonna bag my stuff or not?”

“Are you crazy?” the cashier shrieked, dropping down behind the counter.

Drake rolled his eyes and glanced around for a discreet location. One corner was hidden by a large display for the newest game release, so he ran over towards it, kicking away a toy soldier that tried to shoot its musket at him. Hiding behind the display, and seeing dust bunnies that would rival those in Gosalyn’s room — seriously, how often did they clean this place? — Drake pulled out his emergency suit.

And changed into his alter ego.

Tossing out a gas canister, he waited for the blue smoke to begin wafting into the air before saying, “I am the Terror that Flaps in the Night! I am the super savers shoppers rewards card that you’re forced into buying! I am Darkwiiiing Duck!” He leaped out of the smoke and sent a glare at Quackerjack.

The toy maker pouted. “No fair! Playtime was just getting started.”

“Pack up your toys, Quackerjack,” Darkwing said, walking toward the villain and pulling out his gas gun. “Your play date’s cancelled.”

Quackerjack glowered but that was the last thing Darkwing saw him do because the next moment, all the lights in the store went out, plunging everything into darkness.

Either that was the most convenient blackout ever, or Quackerjack wasn’t working alone.

A spark of electricity flashed near the back of the store and another voice declared, “My poor children! Don’t you worry, your uncle Megavolt will free you from this awful place of imprisonment.”

The caped crusader whipped out his night vision goggles — he never left home without them — and was able to easily keep track of Megavolt and Quackerjack despite the darkness.

Darkwing loved Christmas. All the criminals went on huge crime sprees, eager to cash in on the added merchandise and extra money surfacing as people blew budges on expensive gifts and the newest developments in technology.

The rest of the store was in pandemonium, everyone running for the exits, some customers with their un-purchased items still clutched in their arms. But they were for the police to track down.

He had bigger villains to fry.

Or short circuit.

Grabbing one of Quackerjack’s fire engines, Darkwing ran to the back of the store where Megavolt was unplugging all the TVs he could get his hands on. Darkwing unwound the small hose and located the button near the back of the toy.

“Not so fast, Megavolt,” Darkwing said, pressing the button. A deluge of water poured out of the hose — more than should ever be in a children’s toy; what had Quackerjack been thinking? — and hit Megavolt in his battery pack. The villain shorted out with a yelp, collapsing onto the floor.

He shook his head and glared into the darkness. “You brought the fire engines?” he cried.

“They’re a classic!” Quackerjack shot back.

Pulling out a few zip ties from his suit, Darkwing bound Megavolt with little fuss and turned to locate Quackerjack.

The clown was cackling, shining a flashlight on his teddy bears and dolls as they removed the games and consoles from the shelves and handed them to the monkeys who crushed everything with their cymbals. Ever since Wiffle Boy had become popular in St. Canard all those years ago, Quackerjack had sworn a vendetta against all electronic entertainment. It was a futile battle, but Quackerjack’s single-minded obsession kept Darkwing busy, so he couldn’t complain.

Quackerjack always walked around with his pockets stuffed with toys and today was no exception. A jumprope was half-dangling out of one pocket and Darkwing lunged to grab it, pulling it free.

The toy maker must’ve felt it being removed because he whirled around, the flashlight beam searching for the perpetrator in the darkness. Darkwing dodged the light as best he could while Quackerjack called, “Toy soldiers, attack!”

But toys were as blind in the dark as anyone. They managed to run into one another and fire their weapons their shots hitting the store’s the merchandise and some of the other toys, effectively incapacitating them.

Darkwing grinned and tied Quackerjack up in the jumprope. He’d taken a few classes on lasso wrangling and had an official certificate boasting his accomplishments. Quackerjack wasn’t going anywhere until the police arrived.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Darkwing said, brushing his hands down the front of his suit. “Can’t get the drop on Darkwing Duck that easily.”

“How did you even now we were here?” Megavolt asked, his voice somewhat muffled from his position in the back of the store.

“Ha! Like there is any crime that happens that I don’t know about,” Darkwing said.

“I bet he was here buying Christmas presents,” Quckerjack sneered. “You need to keep your mind active as you get older, Darkwing. Video games’ll just bring on dementia faster.”

“I’ll take the chance,” Darkwing spun on his heel, heading for the door.

Removing his night vision goggles, Darkwing stepped out of the dark store and into the winter sunlight.

And there, in the parking lot, sat Negaduck on his motorcycle. Sitting forward, his hands crossed one over the other on the handlebars, his beak resting atop his wrists as he surveyed the citizens fleeing the store with a pleased look on his face.

The two mallards were equally surprised too see the other, staring at their double as people around them sprinted away, screaming and shouting.

Negaduck was the first to react, loosing a curse before he kicked his engine to life and sped away.

Darkwing leaped into action, following Negaduck and grabbing his gas gun. Stopping on the sidewalk, he aimed at the retreating motorcycle and fired. The canister sailed through the air and hit the back of Negaduck’s tire, exploding in a cloud of Darkwing’s trademarked blue smoke.

The impact of the canister alone was enough to make the motorcycle wobble dangerously, but the thick cloud of smoke added to the attack, effectively blocking Negaduck’s vision.

The bike swerved and toppled, the yellow blob that was Darkwing’s archiest of arch nemeses rolling off onto the sidewalk.

Leaping up, Negaduck glanced back at Darkwing before he raced headlong into the park.

Darkwing took off down the street.

It really was the most wonderful time of the year.

#drake mallard #darkwing duck #megavolt #quackerjack #negaduck #31 days of christmas #a very merry geronimo christmas #writing #fanfiction

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formerprincess · 7 years ago

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A tale written with fangs and claws || Chapter 11

Chapters: 11/? Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Liam Dunbar/Theo Raeken Characters: Liam Dunbar, Theo Raeken Additional Tags: Alpha Liam Dunbar, Slow Build, Friends to Lovers, Dunbar Pack, Bisexual Liam Dunbar, Werewolf Theo Raeken, Alpha Theo Raeken, Canon-Typical Violence Series: Part 1 of Morning Dew Pack

The pack is still figuring things out, Liam is still figuring out how to be a good Alpha and Theo faces an unexpected challenge. Will he win or will he give up? Sadie learns new things too and a new face shows up.

“So, Theo‘s hanging out with Isaac right now?“ Corey’s voice droned from the speaker of Liam’s phone he had placed on his desk since Liam himself was sorting out some old papers and things in his room and cleaning up a bit.

“Yeah, they do this quite often lately. I think it’s good Theo has somebody his age he can talk to. Someone who knew him before all this supernatural mess. They get along just great. It’s important to Theo.“ “Someone his age?“ Corey asked with a laugh. "We are not that much younger but you know what I mean.“ Liam ripped a few papers apart and threw them in the trash bin. “Yeah, I get what you mean. So he’s with Isaac and you are on your own, alone at home?“ “Hm. I had only a few classes today and so I have time for some other things. Valentina sent a big care package I still need to open. I know something with cinnamon is in there, it smells delicious.“ “Yeah, I have to run anyway. I have to go to work. See ya, Liam.“ “See ya, Cor.“

Liam hung up and cleaned the rest of the papers on his desk, then he wandered into the living room where he had placed the package. He sat down and swiftly opened it. A letter or rather a card was on top of everything else, signed by every pack member. Valentina had written she heard Liam also liked to bake from time to time, so she wanted to share some recipes with him. A small book with several recipes followed as well as various ingredients to make all of the things in the recipes. Liam could not help himself, his mouth watered while he read through it. He decided on a few things and then checked the kitchen to see what he needed to buy. Soon enough Liam was on his way to the store and then back again.

It was how Theo found him when he came home later. He had closed the door to their apartment and sniffed the air before glancing over at Liam in the open-plan kitchen. He had been about to shrug his jacket off, Summer surely had left and Autumn had arrived with chilly temperatures, rain, and strong breezes, but when he caught a real glimpse of Liam, he stopped dead in his tracks. “You cut your hair.“ He stated. Liam raised a hand to run it through his shorter strands but then stopped himself and rather just nodded. “Well, I had the time today and they were really getting long. I like this better now.“ His hair was still long enough to run his fingers through if he got too frustrated but it didn’t need as much fixing now as it had done before. “Looks good.“ Theo said, finally shrugging off his jacket and putting it away. He shuffled into the kitchen. “It smells delicious, what are you making?“ “Valentina sent me some recipes and I got in the mood for baking again. Some cookies are in the oven, some are already cooling down. Keep your grabby hands away, they are still hot!“ Theo pointed at the large pot on the stove. “And what’s that?“

Liam raised a mug. “Apple cider with special ingredients so it works on us too. She also gave me a recipe for that and I wanted to try it. It was fun to make.“ He giggled and sipped on it and Theo looked amused. “Are you drunk, puppy?“ "Not drunk. Maybe tipsy. I can handle way more than before but this stuff is just too delicious. Here, try it!“ He held out the mug for Theo and the chimera took it and drank the remaining sip in the cup. “It’s really delicious.“ He agreed after a while and Liam stretched to gather a second mug and fill both of them with the alcoholic liquor. He raised his mug. “Cheers.“

Theo toasted with Liam and then sipped his apple cider. “You have flour on your face. Again.“ He suddenly noticed and raised a hand to brush it away from Liam’s face. And then he couldn’t resist to teasingly run his fingers through Liam‘s hair. “I thought you were making cookies, not a facial mask. How do you always manage to get flour on your cheekbones?“ “Oh, that’s easy.“ Liam dipped his fingers into the fluor and flunked them at Theo, sprinkling the chimera’s cheek with it. “See?“ Theo looked at him, eyes wide and mouth open in a comical gesture. “Oh no, you didn’t!“ Liam grinned. “Oh yes, I did!“ He retaliated and Theo narrowed his eyes at him and grinned. “That means war, Dunbar!... I still hate that I cannot call you any other name than that!“ That being said he threw some more flour at Liam and the young Alpha tried ducking but to no avail.

And thus a fluor battle was started. When it ended their stone-gray kitchen was more white than anything else and powdery. Liam and Theo were covered in flour and Theo pressed Liam against the counter, Liam’s wrist restrained with his hands. “Stop it!“ He said and Liam raised his chin in challenge. “No!“ “Liam!“ Theo said firmly but his hazel eyes sparkled in amusement. Liam chuckled. They looked at each other, still testing out if one would give up, but both were stubborn and wanted to stand their grounds.

Liam’s resistance only melted when he noticed how handsome Theo looked, even covered in flour and with tousled hair. He let go and Theo grinned, enjoying his little victory. He let go of Liam’s wrists but didn’t move away from the younger wolf. They stayed pressed together, looking at each other and Liam felt everything else cease to exist. Lost in each other’s eyes and Liam caught himself wishing they could just kiss. But that meant putting their friendship in danger for just a little bit of fun and he couldn‘t do that. So he smiled softly and nudged Theo’s shoulder. “Want to play a game or something? We haven’t done this in ages.”

Anything to get out of this situation. Theo seemed to look disappointed at first but then he caught himself and let Liam go, following him to the living room. “Sure. What game do you have in mind?” Liam shrugged and just pulled a game from the shelf, not really caring. His eyes landed on the box. Parcheesi. Theo made an amused face. “Isn’t that the game you had an emotional outburst over last time?” He teased and Liam let out a little relieved sigh. They were back at teasing, he could do that. He swatted Theo with the box and carried it over the table to set the board up. Theo joined him and not soon after, they were playing.

It was really nice to spend time with just Theo. Liam loved his new pack, loved the additions to it but having his anchor for himself, joke around while playing a game, was really nice too.

“We really should do stuff like this more often. I missed you.” Liam confessed after a while and sipped his drink. Theo chuckled incredulously. “Liam, we spend almost all of our time together.” “Yeah but that’s not the same. I love the girls but spending time with you alone is great, okay? You’re my anchor, one of my best friends, my first Beta. And something we stopped doing since I became an Alpha.” Liam fiddled with a loose thread on his sleeve and shrugged. He tried but in moments like these, he wasn’t very good at expressing his feelings with words. Theo reached out and squeezed his leg. “I know what you mean. I kind of missed you too.” He reflected. “Tell you what, why don’t we take one day in the week where we do something together? Just the two of us? It doesn’t always have to be the same weekday but once a week, we do something together. Is that a compromise?” Liam considered Theo’s words and then he nodded with a happy smile. “I’d like that, yeah.” Theo smiled back. “Okay, puppy, it’s settled then.”

****** “Hold on, you and Theo have decided to have one day a week to spend time all alone? Just the two of you?” Sadie asked slowly, giving Liam a curious look while obviously trying to understand what he just told her. Liam nodded. “Yep. We figured we need that.” “You’re having a date night.” Sadie said matter-of-factly and grabbed some fries to eat them. “It’s not a date night! Just the anchors hanging out!” Liam defended himself - and Theo- immediately. Sadie raised both hands. “You and Theo are having one day a week reserved for just the two of you to go out, have fun and do whatever it is you precious puppies do. Pretty sure that’s a date night.” “It’s not!” Liam persisted.

“Yeah? Maya!” Sadie addressed the dark haired werewolf who just arrived at their table. “Liam and Theo have decided on a day per week for just the two of them to hang out and do stuff together. What do you say?” “You finally decided on a date night?” Maya asked while taking off her coat and her scarf. Liam groaned and Sadie laughed triumphantly. “Introducing the two of you to each other was the greatest mistakes of my life!” The young Alpha muttered. “It is not a date night!” “It is!” Sadie and Maya, who now sat next to the blonde, said at the same time and high-fived. “Partners in crime!” They said in unison once more and laughed. Liam sighed. “It’s not a date night.” He mumbled one last time.

“Whatever you want to call it, just remember to use protection. Safe sex is so important.” Maya said in a solemn, mature voice and Liam gasped. “MAYA!” The girl ignored him and Sadie jumped on the bandwagon. “But they are both supernatural and can’t get pregnant either so no fear of pregnancies or illnesses. So, really, boys, just go along and have fun!” She told Liam like a lovely aunt. Liam gaped at his female Betas. “You two are the worst! You deserve each other! One as bad as the other!”

“Who is bad?” Theo had appeared and sat next to Liam, causing Sadie and Maya to grin and giggle. “Ignore those two, they’re just being silly today.” “So, like always?” Theo sassed and Liam laughed out loud while both girls gasped. “Theodore!” Sadie said and sniffled. “You know, Lee’s the only one allowed to call me that and not die a very slow and very painful death.” Theo told her with a grim smile. “You’re scary sometimes, you know that, Raeken?” Sadie said with a shake of her head. Theo laughed. “Good!”

“I love that you have various nicknames for each other. You are really close.” Maya complimented them with a smile. Theo shrugged but he smiled. “Yeah, well, it happened over time. And since I’m one of the few people to call him Lee, I like it immensely.” Liam chuckled. “The only thing he hates is that I can call him Theodore and he can’t retaliate.” Theo groaned. “Yeah. If you had a middle name at least, I could use that one, but unfortunately, Liam is too short to use it against you.” He complained. Liam grinned and ate some fries. “I actually never said I don’t have one. You just assumed.” He corrected nonchalantly, tone as casual as if he was talking about the weather. And yet he got a spectacular reaction out of Theo. The chimera spun around to face him so fast Liam was worried he gave himself whiplash. Theo’s hazel eyes were wide and he actually struggled to get out his words in the beginning. “You’re kidding me right now, right? You don’t have a middle name!” He narrowed his eyes at Liam. “You’re fucking with me! We’ve been friends for years and I lived with you for almost as long. I would know if you had a middle name! I would have heard it at least once!” Liam snickered. “What are you willing to bet?” He challenged his anchor and looked at him, a shit-eating grin on his face. Theo glared. “Nothing. You don’t have a middle name. You’re called Liam Dunbar!” The nineteen-year-old raised an eyebrow. “Nope.” He said after a little stare off. “I just never use my middle name, not even when signing something. It’s there but almost non-existent, you know?”

Sadie and Maya laughed at the face Theo made. The chimera literally gaped at him and Liam could chalk this up as one of the few occasions he made the older speechless. “Theo’s world just exploded.” Sadie giggled and Theo glared at her for a short moment before returning his attention towards Liam again. “Really?” “Yeah, really. No lie.” Liam told him and Theo tilted his head slightly to listen to his heart. When he heard no lie, he looked positively thrilled. “What is it?” “Not gonna tell you.” Liam declined with a shake of his head. “You have to work a little bit for that, T.” Liam was having fun with this and patted Theo’s cheek. “You’re sneaky and you have your ways if you want something. Let’s see how long it takes for you to figure it out.” He put a challenge up for Theo. The twenty-one-year-old looked taken aback and growled slightly. “Come on, Liam!” “I know how much you love a good challenge, Dore. So, do your best. If you win, you will get a reward of your choice.” The Alpha chuckled. Theo rolled his eyes. “Give me the first letter at least.” But Liam stayed stubborn. “Nope. Where would be the fun in that?”

****** Liam had not expected the challenge he put up for Theo to be the cause of so much fun. Because Theo, being the stubborn fucker he was, had tried coaxing out any information for the first few days and when Liam didn’t butch, he started listing random names. When that didn’t work either, his name choices turned more and more absurd. Theo seemingly had decided to drive Liam mad with assigning the weirdest names to the younger one. Liam had the time of his life with that.

“Renato.” Liam looked up from his homework and smirked. “No.” “Birch.” “What? That’s not a name!” Liam said with a laugh. “It is.” Theo raised his phone to show Liam the website he was currently looking for names. Liam grinned and Theo sighed before scrolling further down the list. “Bogart.” “No.” The young Alpha returned to finishing his homework while Theo continued to bombard him with names, one more ridiculous than the last one.

“Seriously, you know my mom, do you really think she would choose such a name for me?” Liam inquired after he had finished it. “Who knows? Some parents are so overjoyed with the birth of their child, they go crazy. I was almost called Erwin.” “Erwin?” Liam chortled. “Theodore Erwin, yeah.” Liam laughed. “Sweet. That would have been fun to tease you with.” “I hate you!”

Theo looked at Liam. “You know, I could just wait until you fall asleep and then take a look at your ID.” “You know, I will have my ID hidden so you can’t cheat like that.” “I could just tackle you and overpower you so I can grab your wallet and your ID to take a look at it in that case.” Liam tilted his head. “Overpower me? That’s very ambitious, Theodore. Cute.” The chimera growled playfully and flashed his eyes. “I’m not cute.” “Nah, you are, believe me.” Liam grinned at Theo, happy to joke around with his friends like that.

****** Liam leaned against Theo’s truck and played with his phone while he waited for the rest of his pack to show up. Sadie and Maya appeared together. The girls had become best friends pretty fast so Liam wasn’t really surprised by that. “Hey, Liam, Sadie and I were talking about the wendigo. Any news from the bitch?” Maya started the conversation. Liam put his phone away and shook his head. “No, but that’s why I called you here. Theo’s trying to sniff her out right now, if he manages we go after her.” “Theo’s sniffing her out?” Sadie made a surprised sound. “Don’t get me wrong but aren’t our senses better?” “Usually yes but not when he’s fully shifted. Then his senses are better by far.” “He can do a full shift???” Maya and Sadie asked at the same time and Liam nodded. “Okay, I’m officially jealous.” Sadie mumbled, making Liam chuckled.

He looked around and spotted the black wolf trotting over the dark parking lot. “There he is.” He announced and Sadie and Maya were amazed by the animal. “He’s such a pretty wolf.” Sadie cooed. “Can I pet him?” Maya asked and Liam snorted. “If you want to lose your hand. He hates that.” She hastily withdrew her hand as Theo approached. A few feet away from them, he stopped and swiftly shifted back. Liam had always admired how easy Theo made it look. To shift between human and animal, like it was a piece of cake. Now he knelt on the ground and slowly got to his feet and Liam didn’t miss the approving glances Maya and Sadie gave his friend’s body. He whistled sharply. “Hey, eyes up, both of you!” Sadie and Maya startled but straightened their backs, eyes shooting up to Theo’s face. The chimera grinned and Liam rolled his eyes. “And you, put some clothes on!”

Theo chuckled and walked past Liam and the girls to gather his clothes from the truck. Sadie and Maya looked surreptitiously at his backside and Liam growled. “Could you stop being two horny perverts? That would be lovely.” “You can't blame them for enjoying the view, puppy. Let them have fun.” Theo teased while he slipped into his jeans. Liam glanced over his shoulder and only turned around after he saw Theo was half dressed. “You are incredibly conceited. You’re not that good-looking.” The scoff coming from Maya made Liam sigh. “Says the right one.” The activist muttered and Liam ignored his first female Beta. “Did you find a trace of the wendigo girl?” He asked hopefully. But Theo shook his head. “Just some older traces, days old. She’s still around but nothing could lead us to her right now.” Liam sighed. That would have been too perfect. “Okay, we keep our eyes open! I don’t want any dead bodies on this campus.” “But in the streets of Seattle dead bodies are okay?” Sadie asked sarcastically, making Theo laugh. Liam nudged her. “Don’t get too cheeky, little blonde Beta!” He scolded but then laughed too. “Come on let’s grab something to eat, I haven’t eaten anything since lunch.”

“Okay...Mingus.” Theo said. “Are you still trying to figure out his middle name?” Sadie asked, kind of incredulous. Theo shrugged. “Our Alpha is a stubborn bastard!” Liam laughed. “It’s the most entertaining thing ever, seriously. But no, not Mingus.” “Wouldn’t it be easier to just call Liam’s mom and ask her?” Maya suggested. Liam shook his head. “Called her and told her about this little bet. She laughed for solid five minutes and then promised me that neither she nor my stepdad would say anything.” “Okay, what about your dad?” Liam’s face darkened slightly. “I don’t talk about my father. My dad is my stepdad. I have no idea where my biological father even is now.” Maya’s lips turned into an Oh. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. You had no idea.” Liam brushed it off.

****** “Yes, sir, thank you for your call. Have a nice evening.” Liam bid goodbye to the dean of the university and hung up. It took all but a few milliseconds and then he started dancing; firstly in his room and then through the hallway and into their kitchen. Theo chose this moment to enter the apartment and chuckled amusedly when he caught Liam’s happy dance. “And here we have a happy Alpha puppy in its natural habitat.” He announced to Sadie and Maya who stepped into the apartment after Theo. Both women laughed and Liam grinned but didn’t stop his happy dance. “We’re having a new coach! We’re having a new coach! The lacrosse time has a new coach!” He sang, making his Betas laugh. “I thought you liked coaching the team.” Sadie giggled. “I did but I can’t play and at the same time coach the time during a match. So this is fantastic.“ Liam was happy and beamed at his pack. “Thursday I can meet him and talk about everything I already did with the team.”

Liam was so happy about this, he wrapped both arms around Theo’s neck and pressed a smack on his anchor’s left cheek. Sadie and Maya broke out into hysterical fits of giggles and Liam was sure he saw Theo actually blushing.

Now the chimera gently pushed him away and used it to try and coax any hint regarding Liam’s middle name out of him. “Is it longer or shorter? Come on, Lee, give me a hint here! You’re in such a good mood, don’t be like that!” Liam pursed his lips and tried to hide his delighted laugh. “Okay. One hint.” “Yes!" Theo rejoiced. “It’s not a very common name.” Theo gave him a ‘Bitch please’ look. “Really? That’s it? That’s the hint?” “What? Don’t want it to be too easy, do we? If you win, you get everything from me after all, whatever you want.”

****** Liam entered the locker room and made his way towards the coach’s office. He heard the voice of the dean and an unfamiliar voice, so he knocked at the doorframe of the open door. The dean, an elderly man with white hair, and an afro-american man in his mid-thirties were talking and turned around to face him. “Ah, Mr. Dunbar, glad you are here. This is our new coach, Roderick Mays. Mr. Mays, this is our team captain, Liam Dunbar.” Coach Mays reached out and shook Liam’s hand with a warm smile. “Glad you’re here, Mr. Dunbar. I’ll finish the talk with Dean Simmons and then I will be all yours.” “Oh yeah, I need to get something from my locker anyway, so take your time.” Liam said with a smile. “Will do. Oh, if you see a young whirlwind running around, that’s my eight-year-old son Keegan. My wife’s appointment took longer and so I brought him with me.”

Liam smiled and let the two men to their talk while walking to his locker and opening it. He exchanged some things, one of his jerseys he just had washed with the one he wore last practice. He just had closed his locker again when he spotted the little boy. He watched Liam with curious brown eyes and the young Alpha smiled at him. “Hey, you’re the coach’s son, right? Your name’s Keegan, right?”

Keegan nodded and stepped closer to politely shake Liam’s hand. Liam almost melted. Polite little kids were so cute. He gently shook Keegan’s hand and then the little boy sniffed the air. He let go of Liam’s hand and his eyes glowed gold while he growled playfully, showing off his little fangs. Liam chuckled happily, that was even cuter even though it was surprising. He looked around to see if it was safe, then he looked back at Keegan and let his eyes flash red. Keegan gasped and then he beamed at Liam before running off to his dad.

Liam chuckled and slowly walked after him. The dean had left and Keegan was coloring in his father’s office. He beamed at Liam again and Liam winked at the boy, before slowly sniffing. The boy smelled like a wolf but his dad didn’t and so Liam decided to not mention it for now. Maybe the coach had no idea about his son being not entirely human? Liam would not be responsible for a crisis in the Mays’ household. “So, Mr. Dunbar, the dean already told me you took over to coach the team.” “Please, just call me Liam. Mr. Dunbar...that’s my father.” Coach Mays smiled and nodded. “Okay, I respect that. Liam it is. Now, want to tell me what you already did with the team? I want to see where you stand in your opinion.” Liam nodded, sat down and started to tell the coach everything he did with the team since he enrolled at the university.

****** The credits from the last movie rolled over the screen and Liam pulled the blanket tighter around his body. He was slumped on one couch, half resting against the backrest of the couch and half against Theo with whom he was curled under the blankets. Sadie and Maya were curled on the other couch. Having a pack movie night, watching four movies surrounded by warm blankets, having tasty snacks and just relaxing had made them all quite sleepy. The heater was on since it was rainy and cold outside, adding to the comfort. Theo had one arm slung over the backrest of the couch and had he been playing with a few strands of Liam’s hair in the beginning, he went on to softly run his fingers through Liam’s hair after a while. The soft touches felt good and Liam caught himself leaning into the touch several times. Thankfully Theo never seemed to notice because he didn’t stop caressing Liam. But the longer they sat like this, the harder it was for Liam to not wrap his arms around Theo’s waist, close his eyes and fall asleep snuggled against the chimera.

“Already asleep, puppy?” Theo asked softly and Liam shook his head. “If I said almost, would you carry me to bed?” He asked back. “Yours or mine?” Theo asked with a chuckle. “Yours because we are gentlemen and let the girls sleep in my bed while we share yours.” Liam answered while yawning. “Aw, Liam, you are the sweetest.” Maya muttered somewhere in her blanket cocoon. Sadie groaned. “Can’t we stay here? I’m too tired and too comfortable to move.” “Agreed.” Theo said and since he was curled up with Liam, he used his arm to wrap it around Liam and pull him close. Liam followed willingly, far too tired to put up any fight. “Sleeping on the couch is uncomfortable.” He mumbled but his eyes dropped shut nonetheless and he snuggled closer to Theo’s body. Maybe he should go to bed but Theo and Sadie were right, this was too comfy to move. And so Liam drifted off.

When he woke up on the next morning, he found himself almost on top of Theo who had also fallen asleep, face hidden in the crook of Theo’s neck while the chimera’s arm was wrapped around him and kept Liam close to his body. Liam moved slightly and looked over to where Maya and Sadie were still sleeping. Liam yawned and ran a hand through his hair. Theo beneath him stirred. “Stop moving, I’m trying to sleep longer.” He complained softly and Liam smiled softly. “There is the sleepy puppy again.” Theo’s hold on him tightened and Liam chuckled softly. “You’re really not planning on letting me get up, huh?” “No. You’re warm and comfortable and if you get up it will get cold. I hate the cold. So you have to stay. First Beta prerogative.” “Hm.” Liam considered this and then snuggled closer to Theo again. His eyes closed again and not soon after, Liam was asleep again, lulled back into dreamland by Theo’s steady heartbeat and his scent.

When he woke up the second time, he was still curled up against Theo but this time he had to get up and use the bathroom. When he shuffled back into the living room afterwar, he heard his cell phone ringing and went to get it. Despite him walking into his room and closing the door to not disturb the three others, they were all awake when Liam ended the call and walked back into the living room, a stormy look on his face.

“Scott canceled his visit.” He announced before one of them could even ask. He walked into the kitchen and put his hands on the counter. Scott’s call had made him feel all kinds of negative emotions and he really tried not to explode. The Betas shared a look and then slowly got up to join him.

“Why?” Theo asked. “Because Lydia helped Malia to prepare a surprise for Scott and coincidentally it’s on the same weekend that Scott wanted to come here. The only weekend he would have the time to come here actually. It’s okay, Lydia had no idea he wanted to come here and of course, a weekend with his girlfriend is more important.” Liam tried to make it sound like he was understanding. He obviously failed because Sadie put a hand on his. “Liam, it’s okay to be disappointed and angry. He promised you something and he broke his promise.” “Yeah, well, life still goes on and the world doesn’t stop turning. Scott McCall is a very busy person. We have to accept that!” Liam said coldly and pushed himself away from the counter. “Where are you going?” Theo asked. “Taking a shower. A cold, cold shower!” Liam growled and slammed the bathroom door shut.

The cold water helped him clear his head a bit and he could breathe a bit better again. There was still so much raging inside him. He was angry, disappointed, sad, lost, everything at once and it was overwhelming. After his shower he dried himself off and pressed his face into his towel, stifling a scream. God, he hated to feel so bad!

But then he walked into his room and got dressed and then he walked out and all three Betas were in the hallway, waiting for him. “What?” Liam asked suspiciously and Sadie stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. Maya was the next to hug him. “We still love you, Alpha!” They both chorused while clinging to him and despite his bad mood, Liam had to smile, even more when Sadie cleared her throat in an impatient way, causing Theo to sigh. “I have been taking part in more group hugs since joining this pack than ever before in my entire life.” He softly complained but followed and also stepped to them and hugged his pack members, especially Liam.

“Thanks, guys, you are the best!” Liam told them softly.

****** Liam knew his pack cared. It took some of the burdens of being an Alpha away but he still could not shake the disappointment from Scott’s cancellation. It sat deep in his bones and it probably would take a long time to get over it. Sadie seemed to notice because she showed up one day after classes and tugged at Liam’s sleeve. “Okay, so I know you need to take your mind off this whole thing, and that’s what I’m here for. And because Maya is busy and I’m bored but that’s beside the point. We do whatever you want to do, just to make you a bit happier again.” Liam looked at her. What she said sounded legit and he already knew what he wanted to do. “Okay, come on, I know what we can do.”

Said it and Sadie followed willingly. Yet not half an hour later she made a face. “I expected you wanting to see a movie or go shopping, eat your body weight in ice cream or whatever, not that.” “It will be fun. Lacrosse had become my sport to power me out and get over the negative feelings. It could also help you with your IED, you know? My dad taught me how to play for that reason, to get better control.” “Does it work?” “It does, not always perfectly but it does a good job.” Liam nodded over to the field. “Come on, or are you afraid you’re too girly for this sport?” He teased Sadie and she narrowed her green eyes and huffed. “If I wanted, I could play this sport!” “Yeah? Prove it!”

No sooner said than done and Sadie found herself on the lacrosse field where Liam explained every rule to her. To Liam, it was fun explaining things to someone who never played this sport before. Sadie was a quick learner and asked a lot of intelligent questions and soon they could move to the action of blocking.

After landing on the ground several times, the blonde werewolf growled and her eyes flashed. “How am I suppose to push you out of the way? You’re an Alpha, you’re stronger, you have more experience than me!” She complained. “You should not push me out of the way, you should stop me from getting further. Which is also a very good philosophy for life. You don’t always have to overcome the obstacle, sometimes you just need to stand your ground. They will give up after a while. So, stand your ground, barely move and you will see what happens.” Liam held out his hand to pull her to her feet again. “Can I use my wolf?” “If you want to be responsible for a human breaking his or her bones, sure.” She sniffed. “Of course I don’t want to be responsible for that.” “There you have your answer. See why this is so good for your control? I promise you the guilt will eat you alive when you know another person got hurt because you were too brutal and went with too much force. Not a good feeling.”

Sadie made a face. She got what Liam was trying to tell her. “Okay, got it. Control’s important but I already knew that. It’s the problem I have in case you forgot.” “I didn’t. I know we still have to work on that one.” Liam said softly and handed her the lacrosse stick. “Come on, fighter, we are not done yet.”

Sadie sighed but then she smiled and followed Liam’s instructions because frankly? She was having fun. Lacrosse had been the last thing on her mind but she could not deny it was fun to powering herself out on the field and her competitiveness came out completely. Liam led her on just great and when they were done, both were sweaty but happy.

“I usually just work out in the gym or go for a jog, but this was actually really fun.” She admitted. Liam smiled at her. “Could see yourself playing lacrosse more often?” “Yeah. I mean, why not? I didn’t expect it to be that much fun and it’s a really good workout. It’s lots of fresh air which does wonders for my skin too. And the jerseys, the blue and the white, are actually quite fashionable too. Good color choices.” “You are the first one to make lacrosse a fashion statement.” “Honey, everything I do is a fashion statement.” She snapped her fingers. “Because fashion, my looks, are the only thing I can control. I leave the house and my inside’s are a total mess. Lack of control, anger issues, stress. But on the outside, I have everything on point. Hair, makeup, outfits, everything is exactly how I want it to be and how it should be. Everything is on point.” “Sooner or later you will figure out how to have control and then even your wolf will be on point.” Liam bolstered her. “What makes you so sure of that?” “Because I learned control too and you are more stubborn than me if that’s even possible. So you will manage, I know that.” Sadie smiled and hugged him. “You’re a great Alpha, Liam...Would you tell me your middle name? I promise I’m not saying anything to Theo!” Liam grinned. “No. Have to wait until Theo figures it out.” “You love to see him getting worked up over that, huh?” “Given how often he frustrated me in the last couple of years, you have no idea.” Liam looked innocently but his grin betrayed him.

****** Liam was on his way towards his next class when Maya suddenly appeared next to him. “Hey, Liam, can I bring a friend with me next pack meeting? I know it’s usually just pack but since we hang out every day and I rarely got to have time with her, I figured that would not be too bad. She knows about the supernatural too so we can be ourselves around her.” Liam shrugged. “Sure, bring her along, no problem.” Maya smiled. “Thanks, Liam. By the way, my bet’s on you.” “What bet?” “Regarding the middle name thing. Sadie’s bet is Theo will find a sneaky way to get the information, my bet is you will win and he will give up.” She grinned widely and then saluted before walking to her class. Liam stared at her, then he shook his head. His pack was full of crazy people.

****** Liam frantically looked around. His heart was racing and he heard the blood rush in his ears. It was almost pitch black around him, water was surrounding him and was all up to his waist, and it only fueled his panic when he noticed he was in a well similar to the one he had thrown into shortly after Scott bit him. He raised his head, several feet above him he saw the opening of the well. It was dimly lit as if it was already dawning and Liam called for help.

“Scott! Scott, do you hear me? SCOTT!! THEO!!! ANYBODY!!! HELP ME!” He yelled but he heard just the splashing of the water when he moved around. The walls of the well were too smooth for climbing and even when Liam tried it, he always slid back into the water and called out for help once more.

But then a person leaned over the opening of the well. It wasn’t Scott as expected, it was Liam himself, eyes glowing red. “Get yourself together! Scott isn’t here, he won’t come! You need to rely on yourself to get out. Your life can’t stop everytime he cancels on you! You’re an Alpha yourself, Liam, get your shit together! I know you’re disappointed and angry and you think he obviously doesn’t care about you at all, but you cannot let this make your world stand still! You cannot sulk and hide, I know it’s hard, but you have a pack to protect, people to take care of. Stop whining and calling for help when the only person you need help from is yourself!” He called out to his self stuck in the well.

The Liam in the well bit his lip. He had no idea if he would be able to get out on his own. “Liam, life still goes on, Scott coming or not! So for fuck’s sake, stop doubting yourself so much. Him being here or not doesn’t change anything. You lived months without him being in the known about your Alpha status and yes it’s a bummer he’s not coming, but get a grip!” The one outside the well told him and it caused Liam inside to try and climb the walls of the well. It was hard but he managed to find some edges to grip on and pull himself higher.

And then he was suddenly out of the well and on the forest ground, his Alpha self in front of him. “The world keeps on turning and it was like this for months. Why stop it all now? Don’t focus so much on one person but rather on everything you already accomplished and the people who still need your help. They are important right now. Everything else will fall into place if you believe in yourself and stop doubting yourself.”

While he talked, his human form disappeared more and more and then suddenly the wolf was in front of him, looking at Liam with glowing red eyes. Liam sighed. “I know you’re right, but it’s hard. Things like that throw me in for a loop.” The wolf huffed and Liam sighed again. “I’m working on it! I promise I do!” And obviously, his inner wolf believed him because he stepped closer and pushed his head against Liam's hand. Liam again felt the faint brush of the soft fur and smiled softly, stroking it.

And then he blinked and found himself right in the park close to his apartment, kneeling on the ground and slowly coming back from his dream. He seemed to look a bit lost because a young woman his age stopped and looked at him in a funny way. She wore a blue beanie and her blonde hair fell over her shoulders in waves. Her blue jacket was fitting her perfectly but her white scarf she was was twice as long as she and she had it draped around her neck to be shielded from the cold temperatures. She wore plain dark jeans and beige boots. “Are you okay?” She inquired. “Me? Uhm, yeah, yeah, I am okay.” Liam jumped to his feet. “Did you see something?” He asked back. Bad enough he had been sleepwalking again, it would be even worse if she had heard him talk or pet the air or whatever. “No? Should I have seen something?” She asked, unsure of what to do with this situation. This was awkward. “No! Good. I should go!” “Yeah, me too.” She pointed in the opposite direction and both hastily parted ways, happy to end this strange conversation.

He walked home because even for an Alpha the Autumn temperature and the rain were chilly since he was dressed only in his PJs. When he stepped inside his apartment Theo looked up from his cereal. He took in Liam’s appearance and sighed. “Do I need to lock the door to keep you from sleepwalking?” “Ask that my wolf. Not my fault he feels the need to guide me around town to have a heartfelt talk with me.” Liam muttered and walked into the kitchen to fix himself a cup of hot coffee. He warmed his fingers on the mug. “Your wolf can talk?” Theo asked irritated and Liam groaned. “Shut up, it’s complicated.” “Are you okay?” Theo asked and took his hoodie jacket from where he hat put it on the counter yesterday to drape it around Liam’s shoulders. “You’re as cold as an ice cube!”

“I will be okay, I think. It’s just...Scott canceling was a bummer and while I got it, it made me think that he maybe doesn’t care about me anymore. It made me doubt myself because I felt irrelevant. Does that make sense?” Theo nodded and Liam continued. “I love what we have here. Our pack, our Betas who are struggling but trying so hard, and I don’t want to miss any of that. I know...I hope I am a good Alpha for you guys because you deserve one. And my wolf made me realize that even though Scott doesn’t come, the world doesn’t stop turning. It won’t come crashing down, you know? It’s been months since I became an Alpha and it was my own request to tell Scott face to face, so that’s my problem. I could always call and put him on the spot but I don’t want to. I want to make it personal, but when he just doesn’t come here, I have to accept that. I still love Scott as Alpha and as an older brother, his approval means everything to me, but as long as we have no chance to meet, I have to continue being the Alpha for you guys. Without self-doubts and insecurities.”

Liam sipped on his coffee when he ended, and Theo chuckled. “Your inner wolf surely has some good insights. I’d love to meet him one day. He seems more mature than you.” He mocked. “Idiot!” Liam retaliated and nudged Theo in the rips with his elbow. “Your idiot.” Theo corrected. “Godfrey.” “Oh god, no! What do you think my mom smoked when she named me?”

****** “I want a large pizza with pepper, broccoli, asparagus, and olives.” Sadie ordered. Theo wrote that down. “Liam? What about you?” “Large pizza with salami and ham, please. Nolan sent a text, a tuna pizza for him. Large. He’s stuck in traffic.” “Okay.” Theo also wrote that down when somebody knocked at the door, Sadie opened it. Maya stepped in, followed by her friend. “Hey, guys, this is Ever.”

Ever waved in the round and then she spotted Liam and grinned. “Park boy.” She greeted him and Liam chuckled. “Nature girl.” He replied. “You know each other?” Maya asked surprised. “We met after I woke up in the park after yet another sleepwalking encounter.” Liam explained. Ever snickered. “If I had known you were part of Maya’s pack I would have introduced myself differently upon first meeting you.” “Actually.” Maya began. “He’s not only part of the pack. That’s Liam, he’s the Alpha.” “Oh my god. I’m so sorry!” Ever said honestly. Liam waved it off. “Nah, it’s alright. I don’t expect anybody to bow in front of me just because of my status.”

“I heard so much about you. That means you are Theo.” Theo nodded. “Maya, you never mentioned Theo and Liam being that handsome. And you are Sadie. As beautiful and as fashionable as Maya described you.” Ever went on to assign the names. Sadie beamed at her. “Speaking of fashionable: I love your belt.” “Oh, thank you, I made it myself.” Ever said happily and played with the belt hanging around her waist. “How much do I need to pay you for you to make me one of those too?” Sadie asked. “Nothing, really. I like making things like that. I can make you one, no problem.”

Maya made a face and moved to Theo and Liam. “Fashion, so not my topic. I’d rather stick with you guys. But I knew Ever and Sadie would get along. Ever was the one to make the potion when Theo was sick by the way.” She told Liam and Theo. Liam smiled gratefully at Ever. “You probably saved Theo’s life with that. Thank you, Ever. I owe you.” Theo followed with expressing his gratitude. “Yeah, thank you.” “Nah, I’m good with herbs and when I heard he struggled with wolfsbane poisoning it was the least I could do to help.”

Sadie tilted her head. “You are something too, right? Not a werewolf, but you have a certain smell.” Ever exhaled loudly. “I’m a witch.” She then confessed. “A witch? Like Harry Potter or more like Charmed?” Theo inquired. He never met a witch before. “I’m still figuring out what I can do but for now I’d say I'm a mix between Charmed and Bonnie Bennett.” “Well, that’s a combination determined to kick ass!” Sadie said approvingly and she made everyone laugh.

“Maya, Ever, we wanted to order pizza. What pizza do you want?” Theo asked them, waving the paper he had wrote down everyone’s orders. “I’d like a four cheese pizza, please.” Maya ordered for herself. “Hey, any news about our wendigo?” “Wendigo?” Ever asked. “Pizza with anchovies for me, please.” “There is this wendigo girl lurking around campus and we’re trying to track her but it seems she’s always a step ahead of us. But we keep our ears and eyes open, if she shows up again we will stop her.” Liam answered Maya’s and Ever’s question. “You don’t like wendigos very much, huh?” Ever guessed. “A wendigo was the reason I was bitten in the first place and even though some great things came from it, I have kind of a personal vendetta against wendigos.” Liam muttered. “Understandable.” The young witch said with a small smile. Liam smiled back and nodded his head.

Another knock on the door and when Sadie opened the door, Nolan stepped in. “Finally! I was starving!” Theo called out and dialed the number of the pizza place. “Yeah, hello to you too.” Nolan muttered and laughed.

Suddenly Liam remembered something and disappeared into his room. When he came back he threw a blue shirt at Sadie. “O’Mara! Catch!” She caught it and looked down on the jersey with her name and the number nine on it. “No way!” “I talked to the coach and he’s okay with you becoming part of the team. You may not play first line immediately but I told him you’re good, so we’re giving it a try.” Liam said with a smile. Sadie squealed and hugged the jersey to her chest. “You two on the same lacrosse team? I’m an atheist but even I would pray for your opponents.” Theo said thoughtfully.

Writing this chapter was a bit hard because I caught a cold and it was hard to concentrate on thinking. I still hope you like it nonetheless. Liam's middle name: If you want, you are free to write your guess in the comments and we will see how close you came to the right one. Thiam cuddles, yay! I'm a sucker for that. And yeah, Scott canceled. You didn't expect me to make it that easy, right? We have to wait a little bit longer. Liam and his wolf, a dream team...Get it dream?? ...Sorry, that worked in my mind. Ah yes, Sadie and Liam. Liam may have to do something with the fact that she got number nine on her jersey...Who knows ;-)

#thiam #A tale written with fangs and claws #alpha!liam #My writing #Morning Dew Pack series

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mizuki-rin-reblogs · 7 years ago

Text

Yuuris Birthday Surprise

Yuuri awoke to an empty bed, he reached his arm out to get his glasses so he could check his phone. Yuuri sat up and unlocked his phone, he had thousands of notifications from all his social media of fans wishing him a happy birthday, as well as texts from friends and family doing the same. He thanked everyone so far who wished him a happy birthday, by the time he was done he was fully awake and was about to get out of bed to find Victor when Victor walked into the room carrying a tray closely followed by Makkachin. “Happy birthday, darling” Victor smiled kissing Yuuri on the head. Victor handed Yuuri the tray so he could climb back into bed. “Thank you, Vitya” Yuuri replied he leaned on Victor as they ate breakfast in bed. They ate in content silence Victor knows that Yuuri needs some text to wake up properly. When they finished eating Victor put the empty plates and cups on the tray and put the tray to the side, Yuuri then settled in Victors arm resting his head on Victors shoulder. Victor broke the silence. “ Is there anything you want to do today?” Victor asked running his fingers through Yuuris hair. “I'm surprised that you haven't planned anything.” Yuuri responded. “I know how you don't like it when everyone makes a big fuss over you so I thought that you would like to decide on what we do today. But if you like I can plan something.” Victor smiled. “Thank you for understanding me so well. Let me think about it.” Yuuri replied kissing Victor gently. “Okay...oh I almost forgot let me go get your card and present while you have a think.” Victor said kissing Yuuri again before climbing out of bed. “Actually I'm going to have a shower and get dressed.” Yuuri responded climbing out of his side of the bed heading to the bathroom. Victor was sitting on the sofa with Makkachin, waiting for Yuuri. Victor got dressed not long after Yuuri got into the shower. “Do you think he will like his surprise Makka? I hope that it isn’t too soon for him.” Victor said to Makkachin, the poodle barked as if to reassure Victor. Yuuri came into the living room a few minutes later fully dressed and sat down next to Victor. Makkachin climbed over Victor to sit on Yuuri, Yuuri happily petted Makkachin laughing when the dog licked his face. “haha, thank you Makka...what's this around your neck?” Yuuri curiously undid the loose ribbon tied around Makkachins neck, in the corner of his eye he could see Victor smiling brightly. Attached to the ribbon was an envelope inside the envelope was two tickets to visit Japan for two weeks as well as confirmation that two dogs are booked to fly as well, the flight was dated for next Monday. Yuuri stared at the tickets for a few moments he couldn't believe it with how busy he has been he hasn't been home for nearly a year. Yuuri felt the tears in his eyes and hugged Makkachin close he knew that obviously Victor had organised it all but, it was a gift from Makkachin and knew that’s what Victor would say if he tried to thank him. “Thank you, Makkachin it means a lot to me I can’t wait.” Yuuri said the last part while looking at Victor knowing that he would get the hidden message of ‘thank you for doing this for me and knowing how homesick I get, I love you.’ Then Yuuri realised something. “Why does it say ‘two dogs to fly’? We only have Makka.” Yuuri said confused. “Oh really, they must have misprinted I call the airline tomorrow to clear everything up.” Victor smile. “Here open my present now!” Victor exclaimed changing the subject, handing Yuuri a big box. Yuuri opened the box to reveal a pair of brand new top quality ice skates with silver blades with the Japanese flag on just like Victors gold one with the Russian flag. Yuuri looked up at Victor shocked. “Victor you really didn’t have to I know I said that I loved your skates, but I know how expensive your skates were.” “Don’t you like them?” Victor asked a little downhearted. “No I love them but you didn’t have to spend so much money on me.” Yuuri responded trying to reassure Victor. “You’re worth every penny” Victor replied leaning over to drop a kiss on Yuuris cheek. “Thank you Victor, I love them and I love you.” Yuuri kissed Victor as a thank you, but it turned into a make out session. When they finally broke apart Yuuri pulled the skates out of the box to give them a closer look. “ I noticed the you had your current pair of skates for a while, and they we’re due a sharpening so to save you the money I wanted to get you something I know you needed and would use everyday. I also remembered you saying that if you ever had a pair of skates like mine you would go for silver blades instead of gold.” Victor beamed. “Thank you I really do love them.” Yuuri kissed Victor on the cheek. “No problem, I love you too. So what do you want to do today?” Victor asked pulling Yuuri close to his side. “I was thinking maybe go into town for a little bit get some things we might need before we go to Japan, then have lunch at a nice quiet cafe, then take Makkachin for a walk and come home for a nice dinner.” Yuuri smiled. “That's what we always do on our days off though.” Victor said. “I know but I don’t want anything major just a nice quiet day. Is that okay?” Yuuri asked looking up at Victor. “Yeah we will do whatever you want.” Victor smiled. So Victor and Yuuri did everything that Yuuri wanted all that was left was dinner, they were walking home with Makkachin hand in hand when Victor spoke up. “I should probably tell you that I have two more surprises for you” Victor said as bit sheepishly. “What are they?” Yuuri asked “I can’t tell you that or it won't be a surprise.” Victor smiled. They reached their front door and Victor let Yuuri go in first, and as soon as the lights came on a handful of people jumped out and yelled ‘Happy Birthday’. Yuuri looked at the people in room surprise written all over his face. There was, Yuri, Mila, and Georgi obviously because they didn't live too far from Victor and Yuuri. But the people there that surprised him were Otabek (Yuri must have asked him to come), Chris and Phichit. Yuuri couldn’t believe it. “Am I dreaming?” Yuuri asked Victor. “Haha no Yuuri it's a surprise dinner for you. Me, Chris and Otabek got a few days off and we are going to the airport the same time and day as when you and Victor go to Japan.” Phichit smiled pulling Yuuri into a friendly hug. When the shock of it all wore off Yuuri greeted everyone and they all sat down to eat dinner (they ended up ordering food because of the number of people there). Once everyone finished eating they did gifts: Phichit got Yuuri a selfi stick saying that everyone needed one but then proceeded to give Yuuri a photo album full of photos from when they were in Detroit together Yuuri turned red when he noticed there were a few of Yuuri with his Victor shrine where he then closed the book he thanked Phichit for the gifts and moved on to gift from Chris. Chris got Yuuri an ‘easy to assemble’ home pole dancing pole with some scandalous underwear with a note saying ‘For when you want to teas Victor. Or when you get bored whichever comes first xx’ Yuuri turned a darker shade of red, while Victor mouthed a thank you to Chris. Mila got Yuuri a photo album full of photos she took of Victor while he was training at various ages they went from when Victor had started to grow his hair, when he had his really long hair to when he cut it and just before he left for Japan. Yuuri didn't show how much he was fan-boying on the inside and politely thank Mila for the gift. Georgi got Yuuri vouchers for a make-up store in town and said that he can help Yuuri pick some make-up to go with his next skate sequence. Otabek got Yuuri a selection of traditional Kazakhstan sweets, and Yuri got him some katsudon Pirozhki his grandfather made, a pair of cat socks with a scarf that has a cat face on each end. They all spent time playing games and having fun for a few hours until it got late and everyone either went home or back to their hotel room arranging to spend so time together tomorrow. Yuuri was getting ready for bed when he heard Victor. “Close your eyes it's time for your second surprise.” Victor called Yuuri shut his eyes and yelled back. “Okay there closed.” Yuuri heard movement right by his feet and slowly opened his eyes. He looked down and saw a small black poodle puppy sniffing his feet, Yuuri couldn't believe it Yuuri didn't hear Victor enter the room but he leaned into him when he felt Victors arms wrap around his waist. “Are you okay?” Victor asked when Yuuri didn't say anything. Yuuri nodded. “ She hasn't got a name yet, and I know you still feel guilty about Vicchan but I want to prove to you that you are a brilliant owner and she will never be alone because when we compete she will be with Makkachin.” Victor said Yuuri just nodded in understanding. The puppy snapped Yuuri out of his daze by barking, Yuuri picked up the puppy and held her close. “I'm going to name her Yua it means ‘binding love’.” Yuuri said with tears in his eyes as he held Yua close. “That's a wonderful name” Victor exclaimed pulling Yuuri, who still had the puppy in his arms, into a hug. Makkachin walked into the room and Yuuri put the puppy down so Makkachin could sniff her, the two poodles started to play Makkachin being gentle as to not hurt the small dog. “I got Yua a few days ago she's been with Mila so when I take Makkachin out I introduced the two of them so they would get on when I gave her to you. Everyone has just been calling her puppy because she didn't have a name but I don't think it'll take long for her to get use to her new name.” Victor smiled. Yuuri pulled Victor into a deep kiss which resulted in the two of them lying in bed naked and panting. “ I love you, Vitya.” Yuuri said cuddling closer to Victor. “I love you too.” Victor pecked Yuuri on the lips before climbing out of bed and threw on a dressing gown. “I'm just going to check on the dogs and then I'll be back.” Yuuri nodded in response. A few minutes later Victor returned the two dogs following him Makkachin jumped on the bed and Victor helped Yua up then climbed back into bed. The dogs curled up together while Victor and Yuuri wrapped themselves up in each other, they all peacefully fell asleep. Yuuri couldn't wait to show Vicchan Yua when he went to Japan it will be hard to beat this birthday but he knew if anyone could do it, it was Victor. He felt extremely lucky.

#Yuri on ice #happy birthday Yuuri #Victuuri #Victor Nikiforov #Yuuri Katsuki #Makkachin #Surprise Guests #Surprises #New Dog #Cute #Fluffy

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